Blower type chemical diffusing apparatus, and chemical cartridge and chemical impregnated body used therefor

ABSTRACT

A blower type chemical diffusing apparatus is small in thickness, simple in structure, and reduced in cost. The apparatus allows the chemical and a battery to be exchanged readily and facilitates electrically connecting the battery to the motor in the blower. The apparatus casing includes a first and a second side casing counterpart hinged together to allow opening and closing. The apparatus further includes a blower with a motor and fan mounted in the first casing body. A chemical cartridge is disposed between the blower and the second casing body, and contains a chemical impregnated body which includes a carrier in the form of a sheet impregnated with the chemical. The first casing body has a battery accommodating recess in which dry cells are removably accepted to drive the motor and thereby to rotate the fan. Air is thus forced to flow through the chemical cartridge.

This is a Divisional Application of U.S. application Ser. No.10/583,616, filed Dec. 4, 2006, which is a U.S. National PhaseApplication under 35 USC 371 of International ApplicationPCT/JP2004/019702, filed Dec. 22, 2004, the entire contents of both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a blower type chemical diffusingapparatus for volatilizing and diffusing a volatile chemical such as aninsect pest control agent as an insecticide, miticide, vermin or pestrepellent, vermin growth retardant or sucking inhibitor, an aromatic,deodorant, or germicide, by the force of an airflow or wind generated byan air blower.

The present invention also relates to a blower type chemical diffusingapparatus as a blower type vermin or insect pest control apparatus forapplying airflow to a chemical receptacle retaining a vermin or insectcontrol component to emanate or diffuse such control component togetherwith air into an atmosphere.

The present invention also relates to a blower type chemical diffusingapparatus as a blower type chemical emanating apparatus provided with achemical receptacle charged with a volatile chemical serving as aninsecticide, repellent, aromatic, deodorant, germicide or fungicide andan air blower whereby air is drawn through an air inlet port and air isemanated or diffused through an outlet port into an atmosphere togetherwith such volatile chemical volatilizing from the chemical receptacleand occluded into air.

The present invention also relates to a chemical cartridge for retaininga volatile chemical such as an insect pest control agent, aromatic,deodorant or germicide and permitting such volatile chemical to beemanated or diffused into an atmosphere from the chemical cartridge whenused in a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus.

The present invention also relates to a chemical impregnated body ormember for retaining a volatile chemical such as an insect pest controlagent, aromatic, deodorant or germicide and permitting such volatilechemical to be emanated or diffused into an atmosphere from the chemicalcartridge when used in a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

There is known a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus as disclosedin JP 2002-291392 A.

Such a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus is provided in its bodywith an air blower, a chemical receptacle (chemical cartridge) and apower supply container wherein the air blower includes a fan and amotor, the chemical receptacle is stored with a volatile chemical andthe power supply container contains a battery.

And, the motor is driven to rotate the fan, which causes air to flowthrough the chemical receptacle, which in turn volatilizes volatilechemical and diffuses it into an atmosphere.

With the volatile chemical and the battery becoming ineffective andending their lives with its use, the conventional blower type chemicaldiffusing apparatus of the type described above is designed to make themreplaceable for its continued use.

Thus, for example, the power supply container is designed to contain thebattery replaceably and have the chemical receptacle replaceably mountedtherewith and to be itself mounted replaceably in the apparatus body sothat removing the power supply container from the apparatus body allowsreplacing the chemical receptacle and the battery.

This arrangement entails detachably interconnecting a plurality ofmembers together to enable replacing the chemical receptacle and batteryand thus makes the structure complicated and costly.

Also, the need to remove the power supply container from the apparatusbody and then to take the chemical receptacle and battery out of theremoved power supply container for replacement requires troublesomehandling and gives rise to a chance that either the apparatus body orthe power supply container may be lost while they are detached one fromthe other.

Further, the inability to connect the motor for the air blower mountedin the apparatus body to the battery received in the power supplycontainer by any cord calls for a complicated structure for electricallyconnecting them together.

Further, a volume of chemical receptacle in the state where it fills alarge number of particulate chemical impregnated bodies in a porousreceptacle body must be large in thickness.

This requires that the apparatus body be large in thickness.

There is also known a blower type apparatus for controlling harmfulinsects as disclosed in JP 2001-197856 A.

Such an insect control apparatus includes a chemical receptacleretaining an insect control component or ingredient, a fan and a motorwhich are all contained in an apparatus body (in the form of a chamber)which in turn has an air inlet and an air outlet port wherein therotation of the fan by means of the motor causes air to be drawn throughthe air inlet port, to strike the chemical receptacle and to issuethrough the air outlet port together with insect control ingredient intoan atmosphere, thereby emanating or diffusing the insect controlingredient into the atmosphere.

A conventional insect control apparatus of this type to make its insectcontrol function effective when it is carried on a user and used in theoutdoors, has its body formed with a pair of air outlet ports facingupwards and downwards, respectively, so that when used carried on theuser it causes air containing insect control ingredient to issue bothupwards and downwards through the upward and downward facing air outletports, respectively.

A conventional insect control apparatus of this type having itsapparatus body formed with upward and downward facing air outlet portsso that when used as carried on a waist of the user it can cause aircontaining insect control ingredient to issue selectively both upwardsand downwards is designed to have insect control ingredient reach boththe user's head and feet. With such a conventional insect controlapparatus formed simply with such upward and downward facing outletports alone, however, it takes time the insect control ingredientreaches the user's head and feet and it is thus not possible to controlharmful insect from the very beginning of use of the apparatus.

In an open space such as the outdoors where the apparatus is used, aircurrents produced by wind flow and movement of the user tend tofluctuate air flows discharged and prevent them from diffusing intotarget directions and may not protect the user from suffering frominsect attack.

Also, in a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus as disclosed in JP2004-24161 A which is designed to draw air through an air intake orsuction port by an air blower and to cause chemical volatilizing from achemical receptacle (chemical cartridge) to issue through an airdischarge port together with air drawn, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 theapparatus body 241 is formed on its top with the suction port 242 fordrawing air and on its two opposed sides with such air discharge ports243 for emanating chemical entrained in air drawn. And, the suction port242 on the top of the apparatus body 241 is provided with the chemicalor chemical accommodating receptacle 244 in which the chemical isretained. This chemical receptacle 244 is formed in both its top andbottom with slits 245 opening in the form of annual rings (or annualgrowth rings of a tree) through which air is allowed to flow. Further,the apparatus body 241 is provided in its inside with the air blower 246and has battery cells 247 received at two opposite sides of the airblower 246, respectively, as a power supply for moving the latter.

With the apparatus 241 made up in this way, the air blower 246 builttherein to work energized by the battery cells 247 draws air from thesuction port 242 at its top through the chemical receptacle 244 andcauses air drawn into and past the chemical receptacle 244 whilecarrying chemical volatilizing there to emanate and diffuse through theair discharge ports 243 at its side faces into its environment.

On the other hand, the apparatus body 241 has a wearing belt 248attached thereto to enable it to be worn on a user's wrist or the like.Such a wearing belt 248 is flexible, thin and elongate and with a buckle249 at one of its ends with which the apparatus body 241 can be worn onthe user's wrist or the like, thereby enabling the subject blower typechemical diffusing apparatus to be used fitted on the wrist or the like.

A conventional blower type chemical diffusing apparatus of this typethus requires it's apparatus body to include a chemical receptaclecontaining a volatile chemical, an air blower for diffusing chemicalvolatilizing from the chemical receptacle into the environment andfurther a battery as a power supply for energizing the air blower as theweightiest component. As a result, the apparatus body tends to becomelarge in size and heavy in weight, giving rise to the chance that thismakes the user feel it hard to use the apparatus. Especially in case thesubject blower type chemical diffusing apparatus is used as worn on thewrist or the like, the user may feel it disagreeable with the feeling ofits size and weight.

There is also known a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus asdisclosed in JP 2002-291392 A.

In a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus of this type, itsapparatus body includes an air blower, a chemical cartridge and a powersupply container wherein the air blower has a fan and a motor, thechemical cartridge comprising a porous receptacle that contains a largenumber of particulate chemical impregnated bodies impregnated with achemical, and the power supply container accommodates a battery.

And, it is so designed that rotating the fan with the motor causes airto pass through the receptacle and to emanate with chemical entrainedtherein into the atmosphere.

A conventional chemical cartridge as mentioned above comprises a porousreceptacle that needs to contain a large number of particulate chemicalimpregnated bodies impregnated with a chemical must be large inthickness, requiring such a chemical cartridge to be large in thickness.

As a result, a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus of this typerequiring a chemical cartridge, an air blower and battery cells to beall mounted within its apparatus body must become large in thickness asa whole.

Further, the conventional chemical cartridge as mentioned abovecomprises a porous receptacle containing a large number of particulatechemical impregnated bodies impregnated with a chemical, and thechemical in these particulate chemical impregnated bodies uponvolatilization is entrained in air passed through the receptacle andemitted progressively into the atmosphere. When the chemical impregnatedin the chemical impregnated bodies is depleted, the receptacle as itcarries the particulate chemical impregnated bodies is thrown away aswaste.

Such chemical cartridges which thus require that they when used out bethrown away as waste, are unfavorable under social circumstancesnowadays such as waste and energy-saving problems.

There is also known a chemical impregnated body as disclosed in JP2001-200239 A.

This chemical impregnated body comprises a plurality of chemicalcarrying nets composed of twisted yarn and laid one over another whereineach of the nets is impregnated with a chemical.

A conventional chemical impregnated body as mentioned above in which aplurality of nets are laid one on another, can be made, but may make theuser feel it hard to use this chemical impregnated body as having aplurality of nets laid one on another and moreover may cause a user'shand to be stained with chemical from such a chemical impregnated bodywhen held by the hand.

When the chemical impregnated in the nets is depleted, the nets arethrown away as waste like the chemical cartridge mentioned above. Suchchemical impregnated body is unfavorable under social circumstancesnowadays such as waste and energy-saving problems.

There is also known a chemical cartridge as disclosed in JP DesignRegistration No. 1173150.

This chemical cartridge comprises a receptacle defined by an outercasing having an opening and an inner casing having an opening wherein alarge number of particulate chemical impregnated bodies impregnated witha chemical are received in a space between the outer and inner casings.

This chemical cartridge is designed to contain particulate chemicalimpregnated bodies impregnated with a chemical in a limited portion ofthe volume of the cartridge through which air is passed to entrainvolatilizing chemical therein for diffusion into the atmosphere, islimited in the amount of chemical it can contain per unit volume and ifthis is made larger must be larger in diameter, thus making thecartridge body larger in size as a whole.

As a result, such a chemical cartridge requires a large space for itsaccommodation in a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus and thusmakes the apparatus body large in size.

JP 2002-291392 previously mentioned also discloses a chemicalimpregnated body which uses a large number of carrier particlesimpregnated with a chemical and retained in a porous receptacle.

As a result, this requires that the receptacle be large in size andhence in thickness as well, making here again the body of a blower typechemical diffusing apparatus as a whole large in size.

In contrast, the chemical impregnated body if made in the form of asheet as a carrier impregnated with a chemical and thereby retaining thechemical can be sufficiently thin that it holds the apparatus body thinenough.

However, a chemical impregnated body so made in the form of a sheet isso weak in rigidity that it cannot sustain itself its given shape. Thus,an attempt is made to sustain a given shape of a chemical impregnatedbody by supporting it in its central, outer peripheral and intermediateregions with its retainer receptacle.

These regions of the chemical impregnated body supported by the retainerreceptacle are large in surface area and become entirely useless inserving to emanate and diffuse chemical impregnated in these regionsbecause air cannot pass through the regions.

In this connection there is also known a chemical impregnated body asdisclosed in JP H11-92303 A which is in the form of a honeycombimpregnated with a chemical that is stronger in rigidity and larger inthe amount containing chemical per unit volume than the sheet-likechemical impregnated body.

However, whichever of sheet-like or honeycomb type, such a conventionalchemical impregnated body once it is used out or spent in a blower typechemical diffusing apparatus in diffusing chemical into an atmospheremust be thrown away as waste.

Such a conventional chemical impregnated body of throwaway type isunfavorable under social circumstances nowadays at waste andresource-saving standpoints.

For this reason, it is conceivable to make spent chemical impregnatedbody reusable by impregnating it again with chemical to have it retainthe chemical again.

Then, while it may be possible to make reusable a spent chemicalimpregnated body especially if of sheet type by dripping to impregnateit with chemical and have it retain chemical again, impregnating ahoneycomb type impregnated body, shaped to include a large number ofcores, with chemical requires dipping the honeycomb body in a containerfilled with a large quantity of chemical or continuing to supply it witha large quantity of chemical and for a time period enough to achieverequired impregnation. Not only does this require such a large quantityof chemical but also there will a specialized facility become mandatoryin dealing with the chemical.

Thus, while a large number of chemical impregnated bodies can bere-impregnated with chemical and thereby made reusable successively asin a factory or manufacturing plant without difficulty to meet theserequirements, it is altogether impractical for an individual user toattempt to make a conventional spent chemical retainer or cartridgereusable because a surplus chemical is wasted and cannot be dealt with.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a blower typechemical diffusing apparatus that is simple in structure and low in costto enable a chemical cartridge and a battery to be renewed, that is easyto operate in renewing a chemical cartridge and a battery, thatfacilitates electrical connection of the battery to the motor in theblower and yet that is thinned as a whole.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a blower typechemical diffusing apparatus that configures the air discharge port soas to discharge air forcibly in desired directions and, when theapparatus is used worn on the user's waist, to cause the harmful insectcontrol component to reach the head and feet quickly, thereby making iteffective to control harmful insects from the beginning of use of theapparatus.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a blowertype chemical diffusing apparatus that is smaller in size and light inweight and can be used comfortably by the user without feeling itdisagreeable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a chemicalcartridge that is thinned, that can sustain its given shape, that iseasy to handle and free from contaminating a use's hand and which whenused out can be refilled with chemical and can be reused over and again.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide achemical cartridge that is large in amount of chemical per unit volumeand that can be smaller in overall size.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide achemical impregnated body that can hold its given shape, that can emitthe chemical it retains into an atmosphere efficiently and which whendepleted of chemical can be refilled with chemical by a user easily.

There is provided in accordance with the present invention in a firstaspect thereof a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus having anapparatus casing body, an air blower, a chemical cartridge and abattery, characterized in that the apparatus casing body comprises afirst side and a second side counterpart casing body openably coupledtogether by a hinge, the first side casing body having a blower mountingrecess, an airflow section and a battery accepting recess, the secondside casing body having an airflow section spaced from the airflowsection in the first side casing body; the air blower has a fan adaptedfor rotation by a motor, the fan and the motor being mounted in theblower mounting recess; the chemical cartridge is disposed between theair blower in the first side casing body and the airflow section in thesecond side casing body; the battery is removably accepted in thebattery accommodating recess; the blower mounting and batteryaccommodating recesses are spaced apart from each other in a planardirection and positioned not to overlap in a direction of theirthicknesses; and the chemical cartridge contains a chemical impregnatedbody having a carrier in the form of a sheet impregnated with achemical.

A blower type chemical diffusing apparatus in this aspect of the presentinvention, which permits the chemical cartridge and the battery in thefirst side counterpart casing body to be taken out and reloaded simplyby turning open the second side counter part casing body about the hingefrom the first side counterpart casing body, is simple and reduced incost structurally in enabling these consumables to be renewed.

Since opening the second side counter casing body simply allows thechemical cartridge and the battery to be replace, their replacement iseasy. Moreover, with these two counterpart casings then held coupledtogether, there can either of them be lost from the other by no means.

Moreover, since the motor and the battery for the fan is positioned inthe first side counter part casing body as a common casing, it isaltogether easy to electrically connect them; the motor and the batterycan easily be connected electrically.

Further, since the chemical cartridge is thin and the chemical cartridgeand the battery are positioned without overlapping in a direction oftheir thicknesses, the entire apparatus is thinned.

In a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus as set forth above, theapparatus casing body may be formed with a hook engagement section towhich a hook of a hanging aid can be engaged and a hole in which afitting section of hanging aid can be fitted.

This feature allows the apparatus to be used while it is hung or left tostand on a table or the like.

The present invention also provides in a second aspect thereof a blowertype insect pest control apparatus including: an apparatus casing bodyhaving an air inlet port and a first and a second air discharge port,and a chemical receptacle, a fan and a motor in the apparatus casingbody, the chemical receptacle retaining a chemical impregnated bodyimpregnated with an insect pest control component, whereby rotating thefan by the motor allows air to be drawn through the air inlet port andair drawn to strike on the chemical impregnated body in the chemicalreceptacle and air entraining insect pest control component therein fromthe chemical impregnated body to emanate and diffuse into anenvironmental atmosphere, characterized in that: the first and secondair discharge ports are each in the form of a hole having a radiallength and inclined to a circumferential direction in which the fanrotates whereby when the apparatus is used with the apparatus casingbody worn on a user, air is discharged upwards through the first airdischarge port and downwards through the second air discharge port.

A blower type insect pest control apparatus in this aspect of thepresent invention, which permits air containing an insect pest controlcomponent to be forcibly discharged through the first and second airdischarge ports, is advantageously applicable to where the apparatus isused with its casing body worn on the user's waist in that aircontaining an insect pest control component is allowed to issue forciblythrough the first and second air discharge ports and thus allowed toreach the user's head and feet quickly

This provides an apparatus that acts efficiently from the very beginningof its use.

In a blower type insect pest control apparatus as set forth above, thefirst and second air discharge ports may each be in the form of a holethat communicates its inner inlet opposed to the fan to its outer outletopen in an outer face of the apparatus casing body and wherein the holehas an upstream side guide face connecting an upstream side inlet holeedge of the inner inlet and an upstream side outlet hole edge of theouter outlet continuously to each other and a downstream side guide faceconnecting downstream side inlet hole edge of the inner inlet and adownstream side outlet hole edge of the outer outlet continuously eachother, the upstream side and downstream side guide faces being eachinclined to a circumferential direction in which the fan rotates.

With the upstream side and downstream side guide faces each inclinedtowards a circumferential direction in which the fan rotates accordingto this feature, air containing the insect pest control component can beflushed not only forcibly but also smoothly.

In a blower type insect pest control apparatus as set forth above, theapparatus casing body may be configured to comprise a base member havingthe first and second air discharge ports and a fan accommodatingchamber, a cover member having the air inlet port and removably attachedto the base member at one of its sides in a direction of its thicknessand a chemical accommodating chamber disposed between the base and covermembers and open to the fan accommodating chamber. Then, the base membermay be formed with a motor accommodating chamber and a batteryaccommodating chamber which are open in a rear face of the base memberat its opposite side to the cover member; and the motor and batteryaccommodating chambers may be adapted to accommodate the motor and thebattery, respectively, and positioned so that the motor and the batterydo not overlap in a direction of thickness of the base member.

This feature permits the cover member to be removed to enable thechemical receptacle to be removed. Also, since the motor and the batteryare arranged not to over lap in a direction of the thickness of the basemember, the entire apparatus can be thinned.

In a blower type insect pest control apparatus as set forth above, theapparatus casing body may further be formed with a third air dischargeport for discharging air entraining insect pest control componenttherein, the third air discharge port being in the form of a hole havinga radial length and being inclined to a circumferential direction inwhich the fan rotates whereby when the apparatus is used with theapparatus casing body worn on a user, air is discharged obliquelyupwards or obliquely downwards through the third air discharge port.

According to this feature, since air containing the insect pest controlcomponent is allowed to issue through the third air discharge portobliquely upwards or obliquely downwards, it is possible to send theinsect pest control component more to either the head or the feet thanto elsewhere.

In a blower type insect pest control apparatus as set forth above, thethird air discharge port may be in the form of a hole that communicatesits inner inlet opposed to the fan to its outer outlet open in an outerface of the apparatus casing body and wherein the hole has an upstreamside guide face connecting an upstream side inlet hole edge of the innerinlet and an upstream side outlet hole edge of the outer outletcontinuously to each other and a downstream side guide face connecting adownstream side inlet hole edge of the inner inlet and a downstream sideoutlet hole edge of the outer outlet continuously each other, theupstream side and downstream side guide faces being each inclined to acircumferential direction in which the fan rotates.

According to this feature, air containing the insect pest controlcomponent can be discharge not only forcibly but also smoothly.

In a blower type insect pest control apparatus as set forth above, theapparatus casing body is formed with a subsidiary air discharge portadapted to discharge air laterally when the apparatus is used with theapparatus casing member worn on a user, thereby enabling the apparatusto emit air in all directions with upwards and downwards inclusive.

According to this feature, when the apparatus is used as worn on theuser, the insect pest control component can be diffused evenly aroundthe user.

In a blower type insect pest control apparatus as set forth above, thesubsidiary air discharge port may be larger in air resistance than thefirst and second air discharge ports or the first, second and third airdischarge ports.

This feature is advantageously applicable where the apparatus is used asworn on the user's waist in that air containing the insect pest controlcomponent can be emitted less forcibly but adequately laterally of theuser and at the same time forcibly enough to its head and feet.

In a blower type insect pest control apparatus as set forth above, thesubsidiary air discharge port may be in the form of a hole thatcommunicates its inner inlet opposed to the fan to its outer outlet openin an outer face of the apparatus casing body and wherein the hole hasan upstream side guide face connecting an upstream side inlet hole edgeof the inner inlet and an upstream side outlet hole edge of the outeroutlet continuously to each other and a downstream side guide faceconnecting a downstream side inlet hole edge of the inner inlet and adownstream side outlet hole edge of the outer outlet continuously eachother, the upstream side and downstream side guide faces being eachinclined to a circumferential direction in which the fan rotates. Then,the subsidiary air discharge port ma be less open in the direction ofrotation of the fan than the first and second air discharge ports or thefirst, second and third air discharge ports.

According to this feature, air can be discharged forcibly through thefirst and second or the first, second and third air discharge portswithout fail while air is discharged less forcibly through thesubsidiary air discharge port without fail.

The present invention also provides in another aspect thereof a blowertype chemical diffusing apparatus having an air blower and a chemicalreceptacle stored with a volatile chemical, characterized in that itcomprises: an apparatus casing body wherein air is drawn by the fanthrough an air inlet port and discharged through an air discharge portwhile entraining chemical from the chemical receptacle therein; a powercasing body separated from the apparatus casing body for containing apower supply for the air blower in the apparatus casing body; and aconnection cord for connecting the apparatus casing body and the powercasing body to each other and for electrically energizing the air blowerin the apparatus casing body from the power supply in the power casingbody.

A blower type chemical diffusing apparatus in this aspect of the presentinvention is designed to separate the power supply (battery) section asthe weightiest component from the other components and to include themseparately in a power casing body and an apparatus casing body andthereby to reduce the apparatus casing body in both size and weight ascan conveniently be worn on the user's wrist. Then, the power casingbody can be worn separately, e. g., in a pocket in a pant, trouser orsuit, thereby permitting the apparatus to be used comfortably whilerelieving the user from feeling of disagreeableness it has had whenwearing the conventional apparatus large in size and heavy in weight. Inaddition, a connection cord as set forth is conveniently provided.

In a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus as set forth above, aconnection cord as set forth may advantageously be such that it can beremovably attached to the apparatus casing body and/or the power casingbody.

This feature allows the connection cord first connected to only eitheror neither of the apparatus and power casing bodies to be attached tothe other or both only after they are fitted on, thereby facilitatingtheir individual fitting operations markedly.

In a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus as set forth above, it mayhave a fitting means for fitting the apparatus casing to an object to befitted.

In a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus as set forth above, it mayhave a fitting means for fitting the power casing to an object to befitted.

In a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus as set forth above, it mayhave a fitting means for fitting the connection cord to an object to befitted.

These features allow the blower type chemical diffusing apparatus to bereadily set up by suitably fitting the apparatus casing body, the powercasing body and the connection cord individually.

The present invention also provides in another aspect thereof a chemicalcartridge, characterized in that it comprises: a chemical impregnatedbody in the form of an air permeable and liquid absorptive sheetimpregnated with a chemical; a retainer receptacle for retaining thechemical impregnated body, the retainer receptacle having a hold sectionfor holding an upper and a lower face of the chemical impregnated bodyacross them and an air passage section through which air flows; and aspace formed between hold section and chemical impregnated body andopening to an outside through an airflow section formed in the holdsection.

According to this aspect of the present invention, a chemical cartridgeis provided that is thinned by utilizing a chemical impregnated bodythat is thin in the form of a sheet held by a retainer receptacle whichalso serves to sustain its given shape and to protect the hand fromcontamination by chemical.

Also, a volume of chemical retained in those areas of a chemicalimpregnated body where it is held by the retainer receptacle and wherethere is no direct flow of air is admitted into the space stated whereit is entrained in air flowing there and then discharge into theenvironmental atmosphere. Hence, substantially no volume of chemicalretained in the chemical impregnated body will become useless.

In a chemical cartridge as set forth above, the hold section may have: arecess formed where the hold section is contacting a lower face of thechemical impregnated body; a space formed between the recess and a lowerface of the chemical impregnated body; and an airflow hole formed, wherethe hold section is contacting an upper face of the chemical impregnatedbody, so that it is opposed to recess, thereby providing an air flowsection.

According to this makeup of the chemical cartridge, the recess can beused to pool a liquid chemical poured into it through the airflow hole.The liquid chemical pooled in the recess is allowed to permeate into thechemical depleted body progressively and thereby to regenerate into achemical impregnated body.

The present invention provides in still another aspect thereof achemical cartridge, characterized in that it comprises: a chemicalimpregnated body in the form of an air permeable and liquid absorptivesheet impregnated with a chemical; and a retainer receptacle having areceptacle base member and a cover member for holding chemicalimpregnated body wherein: the receptacle base member comprises a centralsupport section, a peripheral support section and a plurality ofintermediate support sections connecting the central support section tothe peripheral support section to form an airflow passage section, thereceptacle base member being formed with a recess in at least one ofupper faces of the central, peripheral and intermediate sections andwith a space between this recess and a lower face of the liquidimpregnated body, cover member comprises a central hold section, aperipheral hold section and a plurality of intermediate hold sectionsconnecting the central hold section and the peripheral hold section toeach other to form an airflow passage section, the cover member beingformed with an airflow hole in at least one of the central, peripheraland intermediate hold sections so that it is opposed to the recess,whereby the receptacle base member and cover member can detachably befitted with and coupled to each other to allow air to flow through theairflow passage section in the receptacle base member and the airflowpassage section in the cover member.

Here again, a chemical cartridge is provided that can be thin, that cankeep a chemical impregnated body in its given shape and that can protectthe hand from contamination by chemical.

Also, with its central, peripheral and intermediate sections held withthe central support and hold section, the peripheral support and holdsections and the intermediate sections of the receptacle base and covermembers, a thin chemical impregnated body can be firmed held and also iseasy to handle and maintain.

Moreover, a volume of chemical retained in at least one area of achemical impregnated body where it is held by a support and a holdsection and where there is no direct flow of air is admitted into therecess stated where it is entrained in air flowing there and thendischarge into the environmental atmosphere. Hence, substantially novolume of chemical retained in the chemical impregnated body will becomeuseless.

The recess, here again, can be used to pool a liquid chemical pouredinto it through the airflow hole. The liquid chemical pooled in therecess is allowed to permeate into the chemical depleted bodyprogressively and thereby to regenerate into a chemical impregnatedbody.

In a chemical cartridge as set forth above, the receptacle base membermay be formed with a recess in the central support section and annularrecess in the peripheral support section.

According to this feature, the annular recess in the peripheral supportsection allows liquid chemical to permeate into the chemical depletedbody from its whole periphery uniformly over its entire area.

In a chemical cartridge as set forth above, the central, peripheral andintermediate support sections are identical in shape and size to thecentral, peripheral and intermediate hold sections, respectively, sothat the airflow passage sections are identical in shape and size toeach other.

This makeup allows air to flow smoothly over the airflow passagesections of both the receptacle base and cover members and thus chemicalin the chemical impregnated body to emanate and diffuse into theenvironmental atmosphere smoothly and efficiently.

The present invention also provides in a further aspect thereof achemical cartridge characterized in that it comprises a chemicalimpregnated body in the form of an air permeable and liquid absorptivesheet impregnated with a chemical and a retainer receptacle forcontaining the chemical impregnated body wherein the retainer receptacleis formed in a central area thereof with a liquid pool recess such thatliquid chemical stored in the liquid pool recess is allowed to permeatetowards a peripheral area of the sheet.

Such a chemical cartridge is, here again, advantageous in that it afteruse can be refilled. To this end, liquid chemical is supplied into therecess in the central area of the retainer receptacle, and liquidchemical pooled in this recess of the retainer receptacle is allowed topermeate towards its periphery and then into the sheet body uniformlyover its entire area.

A chemical cartridge can thus be reused over and again.

Also, by being positioned at a center of the retainer receptacle, theliquid pool recess in no way impedes the airflow from the fan which canthus be used without waste and exploited efficiently to diffuse thechemical into the environmental atmosphere.

Further, with the chemical impregnated body thin in the form of a sheetretained by a retainer receptacle, the chemical cartridge can bethinned.

Moreover, a chemical receptacle as defined above is adequate in keepinga chemical receptacle in its given shape and is also free fromcontaminating the hand with chemical.

In a chemical cartridge as set forth above, the retainer receptacle maybe formed in a peripheral area with a liquid pool recess such thatliquid chemical stored in the liquid pool recess is allowed to permeatetowards a central area of the sheet. the retainer receptacle is formedin a peripheral area with a liquid pool recess such that liquid chemicalstored in the liquid pool recess is allowed to permeate towards acentral area of the sheet.

This makeup allows liquid chemical supplied into stored in the liquidpool recess in a central area of a body to permeate towards itsperipheral are and liquid chemical supplied into and stored in theperipheral area to permeate towards the central area. Thus, even a largebody can be impregnated with chemical relatively quickly.

In a chemical cartridge as set forth above, the retainer receptacle forcontaining the chemical impregnated body may comprise a receptacle basemember and a cover member; the receptacle base member comprises acentral support section, a peripheral support section and a plurality ofconnecting sections connecting the central and peripheral supportsections to each other to form an airflow passage section; the covermember comprises a central hold section, a peripheral hold section and aplurality of connecting sections connecting the central and peripheralhold sections to each other to form an airflow passage section; acentral liquid pool recess formed of a recess formed in the centralsupport section and a supply port formed in central hold section; and aperipheral liquid pool recess formed of a peripheral recess formed inthe peripheral support section and a peripheral supply section formed inthe peripheral hold section.

With its central and peripheral sections held between the receptaclebase and cover members here, the chemical impregnated body can be heldfirmly in a chemical cartridge, facilitating its handling andmaintenance.

The present invention also provides in a further aspect thereof achemical cartridge characterized in that it comprises: a chemicalimpregnated body in the form of a sheet and a retainer receptaclecontaining the chemical impregnated body wherein: the chemicalimpregnated body comprises a carrier in the form of an air permeable andliquid absorptive sheet having a localized high liquid retention regionand impregnated with a chemical.

Here, with the chemical impregnated body being thin in the form of asheet and held by its retainer receptacle, a chemical cartridge that iseasy to handle can be provided.

A chemical cartridge so constructed is, here too, advantageous in thatwhen its chemical is depleted after use the career can be re-suppliedwith chemical in the high liquid retention region. Liquid chemicalimpregnated in the high liquid retention region of the career is thenallowed to permeate progressively over into entire body, therebyregenerating it into a fresh chemical impregnated body. A chemicalcartridge can thus be used over and again.

Moreover, the career can accept a large quantity of liquid chemical atits high liquid retention region at a time. Liquid chemical suppliedinto the high liquid region can then permeate into it progressively overits entire area. Thus, there is regenerated a body uniformly impregnatedwith and retaining chemical.

In a chemical cartridge as set forth above, a portion of the carrier maybe made larger in thickness than its remaining portions to constitutethe high liquid retention region.

So made, the high liquid retention region higher in height can provide asign that can be visually seen to if liquid chemical has been supplied.

The present invention provides in an another aspect thereof a chemicalcartridge characterized in that it comprises a chemical impregnated bodyin the form of a pleated flat sheet material having a large number ofpleats impregnated with a chemical, the pleats are formed by alternatingmountain fold and valley fold of the sheet material at certain widths,the sheet material itself being air permeable and liquid absorptive, thepleated sheet material having a peripheral area jointed to prevent thepleats from getting out of shape.

With a chemical cartridge so made its chemical impregnated body canretain an increased amount of chemical per unit volume and the cartridgeitself can thus be made smaller in size.

In particular, a chemical cartridge that retains a large amount ofchemical but is thin can thus be provided.

A pleated sheet material whose periphery is processed to prevent thepleats from getting out of shape allows air to flow sub substantiallyuniformly over its entire area and thus chemical to diffusesubstantially uniformly from the entire chemical impregnated body.

A chemical cartridge as set forth above may further comprise a fixturefor holding a peripheral area of the chemical impregnated body.

A chemical cartridge as set forth above may further comprise areceptacle containing the chemical impregnated body and having anairflow section.

Then, with the fixture or receptacle that can be held by the hand achemical cartridge can be provided that is easy to handle whileprotecting the hand from contamination by chemical retained by thechemical impregnated body.

The present invention also provides in another aspect thereof a chemicalcartridge characterized in that it comprises: a chemical impregnatedbody in the form of a pleated flat sheet material having a large numberof pleats impregnated with a chemical, the pleats are formed byalternating mountain fold and valley fold of the sheet material atcertain widths, the sheet material itself being air permeable and liquidabsorptive; and a fixture for holding a peripheral area of the pleatedsheet material with that area squeezed to keep the pleats not gettingout of shape.

With a chemical cartridge so made its chemical impregnated body canretain an increased amount of chemical per unit volume and the cartridgeitself can thus be made smaller in size.

In particular, a chemical cartridge that retains a large amount ofchemical but is thin can thus be provided.

Also, with its peripheral area squeezed to keep the pleats not gettingout of shape, the pleated sheet material allows air to flowsubstantially uniformly over its area and thus the chemical to diffusesubstantially uniformly from the entire chemical impregnated body.

Further, with the fixture that can be held by the hand, a chemicalcartridge can be provided that is easy to handle while protecting thehand from contamination by chemical.

Moreover, with its peripheral area squeezed with the fixture to keep thepleats not getting out of shape, the pleated sheet material need not bejointed separately and can be manufactured with greater easiness.

The present invention also provides in a further aspect thereof achemical cartridge characterized in that it comprises: a chemicalimpregnated body in the form of a pleated flat sheet material having alarge number of pleats impregnated with a chemical, the pleats areformed by alternating mountain fold and valley fold of the sheetmaterial at certain widths, the sheet material itself being airpermeable and liquid absorptive; and a receptacle containing thechemical impregnated body and having an airflow section.

With a chemical cartridge so made its chemical impregnated body canretain an increased amount of chemical per unit volume and the cartridgeitself can thus be made smaller in size.

In particular, a chemical cartridge that retains a large amount ofchemical but is thin can thus be provided.

Further, with the receptacle that can be held by the hand, a chemicalcartridge can be provided that is easy to handle while protecting thehand from contamination by chemical.

The present invention also provides in yet another aspect thereof achemical cartridge characterized in that it comprises: a chemicalimpregnated body in the form of a pleated flat sheet material having alarge number of pleats impregnated with a chemical, the pleats areformed by alternating mountain fold and valley fold of the sheetmaterial at certain widths, the sheet material itself being airpermeable and liquid absorptive, the pleated sheet material beingdeformable into a hollow cylindrical shape; and a receptacle configuredto include an annular hollow and an axial hollow, to allow air to flowthrough these hollows, and to accept the chemical impregnated body inthe annular hollow.

With a chemical cartridge so made its chemical retainer can retain anincreased amount of chemical per unit volume and the cartridge itselfcan thus be made smaller in size.

In particular, a chemical cartridge that retains a large amount ofchemical but is thin can thus be provided.

Further, with the receptacle that can be held by the hand, a chemicalcartridge can be provided that is easy to handle while protecting thehand from contamination by chemical.

According to a chemical cartridge so constructed, a pleated sheetmaterial which itself is liquid absorptive can, after use or depletionbe, be refilled and thoroughly impregnated with liquid chemical; it canbe reused over and again.

The present invention also provides in yet another aspect thereof achemical impregnated body characterized in that it comprises: ahoneycomb body having a large number of honeycomb cores open to a pairof opposed side faces thereof in a direction of its thickness andproviding airflow passages parallel to the thickness direction; and asheet body disposed adjacent to one of side faces over an entire areathereof wherein the honeycomb and sheet bodies are impregnated with achemical.

A chemical impregnated body as mentioned above can sustain its givenshape wherein a honeycomb body acts also to reinforce a body.

A honeycomb body through which air flows smoothly does not impede airflowing through a sheet body; the chemical retained in the honeycomb andsheet bodies can be diffused efficiently in to the environmentalatmosphere.

When the honeycomb and sheet bodies are depleted of chemical, the sheetbody can be supplied with chemical to allow the supplied chemical topermeate into the sheet body itself and also into the honeycombprogressively.

Thus, the user can readily regenerate a chemical impregnated body from adepleted body by simply a sheet body in the depleted body with chemicalto allow the supplied chemical to permeate into the sheet and honeycombbodies.

A chemical impregnated body as set forth above may further comprise aretainer receptacle for retaining therein honeycomb and sheet bodies andholding them in intimate contact with each other.

With a honeycomb and a sheet body brought together into intimatecontact, liquid chemical supplied to the sheet body is allowed topermeate into the honeycomb body without fail.

In a chemical impregnated body as set forth above, the receptaclecomprises a receptacle base member having a support section forsupporting the sheet body; and a hold member for fitting engagement withthe receptacle base member to hold the honeycomb and sheet bodies inintimate contact with each other.

According to this makeup, a honeycomb and a sheet body are brought intointimate contact without fail when the sheet body is supported from asupport section of a receptacle base member which is then fitted withand thereby coupled to a hold member.

In a chemical impregnated body as set forth above, the support sectionis formed with a liquid chemical pool section and a chemical inlet portfor supplying liquid chemical into the liquid chemical pool section.

This makeup facilitates supplying a honeycomb body with liquid chemicalwhen liquid chemical is poured into a liquid chemical pool sectionthrough a supply inlet and the supplied liquid pooled is allowed topermeate into the sheet body over its entire area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will better be understood from the followingdetailed description and the drawings attached hereto showing certainillustrative forms of implementation of the present invention. In thisconnection, it should be noted that such forms of implementationillustrated in the accompanying drawings hereof are intended in no wayto limit the present invention but to facilitate an explanation andunderstanding thereof. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a blower type chemicaldiffusing apparatus that represents a first form of implementation ofthe present invention, the apparatus being shown in its closed state;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in itsopen state also with a chemical retainer shown as broken;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus while it is hung;

FIG. 6 is an elevational side view of the apparatus in use;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross sectional view illustrating a blower typeinsect pest control apparatus that represents a second form ofimplementation of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus taken alone the lineVIII-VIII in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a right hand side cross sectional view of the apparatus shownin FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a hanging gadget used in theapparatus of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a exploded perspective view of a chemical receptacle;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a region of an air discharge portillustrating a first modification of the blower type insect pest controlapparatus;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a region of an air discharge portillustrating a second modification of the blower type insect pestcontrol apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a blower type chemicaldiffusing apparatus that represents a third form of implementation ofthe present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side cross sectional view of the blower type chemicaldiffusing apparatus shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a plan view, in part shown in cross section, of the blowertype chemical diffusing apparatus shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a decomposed perspective view illustrating a chemicalreceptacle;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating another fitting means thatcan be used with a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus according tothe present invention;

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of use of ablower type chemical diffusing apparatus according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 20 is an explanatory view illustrating another example of theseparation of a power casing body from an apparatus casing body;

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view illustrating another example of use of ablower type chemical diffusing apparatus according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view illustrating still another example of useof a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional blower typechemical diffusing apparatus;

FIG. 24 is a side cross sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG.23;

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view illustrating a blower type chemicaldiffusing apparatus using a chemical cartridge that represents a forthform of implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the chemical cartridge shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view of the chemical cartridge taken alongthe line XXVII-XXVII in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a top plan view illustrating a receptacle base member in thechemical cartridge shown;

FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view of the base member taken along theline XXIX-XXIX in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view illustrating a cover member;

FIG. 31 is a broken perspective view of the chemical cartridge shown inFIG. 25;

FIG. 32 is a top plan view illustrating a modification of the chemicalcartridge according to the fourth form of implementation of the presentinvention;

FIG. 33 is a cross sectional view of the modified chemical cartridgeshown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a cross sectional view illustrating a blower type chemicaldiffusing apparatus using a chemical cartridge that represents a fifthform of implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a decomposed perspective view of the chemical cartridge shownin FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a top plan view illustrating a modification of the chemicalcartridge shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view of the chemical cartridge taken alongthe line XXXVII-XXXVII in FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view illustrating a second modification of thechemical cartridge according to the fifth form of implementation of thepresent invention;

FIG. 39 is a cross sectional view of the modified chemical cartridgetaken along the line XXXIX-XXXIX in FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a top plan view illustrating a third modification of thechemical cartridge according to the fifth form of implementation of thepresent invention;

FIG. 41 is a cross sectional view of the modified chemical cartridgetaken along the line XLI-XLI in FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a top plan view illustrating a fourth modification of thechemical cartridge according to the fifth form of implementation of thepresent invention;

FIG. 43 is a cross sectional view of the modified chemical cartridgetaken along the line XLIII-XLIII in FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a cross sectional view illustrating a blower type chemicaldiffusing apparatus using a chemical cartridge that represents a sixthform of implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a cross sectional view of the chemical cartridge shown inFIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a decomposed perspective view of the chemical cartridge shownin FIG. 44;

FIGS. 47A and 47B are a top plan and a cross sectional view illustratinga first modification of the chemical cartridge according to the sixthform of implementation of the present invention;

FIGS. 48A and 48B are a top plan and a cross sectional view illustratinga second modification of the chemical cartridge according to the sixthform of implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 49 is a top plan view illustrating a third modification of thechemical cartridge according to the sixth form of implementation of thepresent invention;

FIG. 50 is a top plan view illustrating a fourth modification of thechemical cartridge according to the sixth form of implementation of thepresent invention;

FIG. 51 is a cross sectional view illustrating a fifth modification ofthe chemical cartridge according to the sixth form of implementation ofthe present invention;

FIG. 52 is a cross sectional view illustrating a blower type chemicaldiffusing apparatus using a chemical cartridge that represents a seventhform of implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 53 is a decomposed perspective view of the chemical cartridge shownin FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a top plan view of the chemical cartridge shown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 55 is a cross sectional view of the chemical cartridge taken alongthe line LV-LV in FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a cross sectional view of the chemical cartridge taken alongthe line LVI-LVI in FIG. 54;

FIG. 57 is a cross sectional view illustrating a modification of thechemical cartridge shown in FIG. 55;

FIG. 58 is a plan view illustrating another form of the fixture that canbe used in a chemical cartridge as shown in FIGS. 52 to 57:

FIG. 59 is a cross sectional view of the fixture taken along the lineLIX-LIX in FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a decomposed perspective view illustrating a chemicalcartridge having a chemical impregnated body different in shape;

FIG. 61 is a cross sectional view illustrating a second modification ofthe chemical cartridge of the type shown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 62 is a cross sectional view illustrating a third modification ofthe chemical cartridge of the type shown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 62 is a cross sectional view illustrating a third modification ofthe chemical cartridge of the type shown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 63 is a cross sectional view illustrating a fourth modification ofthe chemical cartridge of the type shown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 64 is a cross sectional view illustrating an apparatus casing bodyand a receptacle using the chemical cartridge shown in FIG. 63;

FIG. 65 is cross sectional view illustrating a blower type chemicaldiffusing apparatus using a chemical cartridge that represents a eighthform of implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 66 is a bottom plan view of a first modification of the chemicalcartridge shown in FIG. 65;

FIG. 67 is a top plan view of the chemical cartridge shown in FIG. 66;

FIG. 68 is a cross sectional view of the chemical cartridge taken alongthe line LXVIII-LXVIII in FIG. 67;

FIG. 69 is a top plan view

FIG. 70 is a cross sectional view of the chemical cartridge taken alongthe line LXX-LXX in FIG. 69;

FIG. 71 is a top plan view of a third modification of the chemicalcartridge shown in FIG. 65;

FIG. 72 is a cross sectional view of the chemical cartridge taken alongthe line LXXII-LXXII in FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is a top plan view of a fourth modification of the chemicalcartridge shown in FIG. 65; and

FIG. 74 is a cross sectional view of the chemical cartridge taken alongthe line LXXIV-LXXIV in FIG. 73.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

At the outset, mention is made of a first form of implementation of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a blower type chemical diffusing apparatusaccording to the first form of implementation of the invention includesan apparatus or casing main body 1, and an air blower 2, a chemicalcartridge 3 and a battery 4 which are contained in the casing main body1.

The casing main body 1 comprises a first and a second counterpart casingmember 10 and 11 openably interconnected by a hinge 12 so they can makethe casing main body 1 open and closed.

The first casing member 10 is extremely small in thickness compared withits planar size, namely thin plate-like. It is formed with a blowermounting recess 13, air passages 14 open to the blower mounting recess13, and a battery accommodating recess 15. The blower mounting recess 13and the battery accepting recess 15 are each open to an inner sidelateral face 10 a of the first casing member 10 and are mutually spacedapart in a plane thereof so that they do not lie one above the other ina direction of its thickness. The air passages 14 open the blowermounting recess 13 to an outer surface 10 b of the first casing member10.

The second casing member 11 is extremely small in thickness comparedwith its planar size, namely thin plate-like. It can take two positions,viz. one in which it covers, and the other in which it uncovers, boththe blower mounting recess 13 and the battery accommodating recess 15.The second casing member 11 is formed with air passages 16 in an areathereof that is opposed to the blower mounting recess 13 of the firstcasing member 10.

The air blower 2 includes a fan 20 and a motor 21 mounted as receivedwithin the blower mounting recess 13 and is designed so that therotation of the fan 20 by the motor 21 when the second casing member 11is in its closed state causes air to flow over the air passages 14 ofthe first casing member 10 and the air passages 16 of the second casingmember 11.

For example, air may be drawn through the air passages 16 of the secondcasing member 11 and discharged through the air passages 14 of the firstcasing member 10 into the atmosphere, or vice versa.

The chemical cartridge 3 includes a chemical impregnated body that is acarrier in the form of a sheet impregnated with a chemical placed on anannular edge in the blower mounting recess 13 and, when the secondcasing member 11 is brought into its closed position, is held againstthe annular edge with an inner face 11 b thereof.

The battery accommodating recess 15 provides a space in which thebattery 3 in the form of dry cells can removably be set.

With the apparatus configured as mentioned above, bringing the secondcasing member 11 into its open position relative to the first casingmember 10 allows removing, setting in place and exchanging the cartridge3 and the battery 4.

And, bringing the second casing member 11 into its close positionrelative to the first casing member 10 followed by driving the motor 21to rotate the fan 20 permits air to pass through the chemicalimpregnated body in the chemical cartridge and air having chemicalentrained therein to be emanated and diffused into an environmentalatmosphere.

Further, the apparatus casing body 1 even in its closed position isitself extremely small in thickness compared with its planar size,namely thin and plate-like. Here, its planar size is as large asslightly larger than those of the fan 20 and the battery 4, namely aplanar size practically without having any area other than the area inwhich the fan 20 and the battery 4 can just be accommodated within theapparatus casing body 1 (thus, omitting any useless planar space).

Thus, the apparatus casing body 1 is made thin and compact, permittingthe blower type chemical diffusing apparatus to be made thin andcompact.

This makes the apparatus easy to handle and renders its required moldssmaller in size and stock material less in amount, thus reducing itscost of manufacture as well.

Specifically, as seen in its planar shape the apparatus casing body 1comprises a first region 1 a that is nearly circular, a second region 1b that is nearly rectangular and a third or intermediate region 1 cinterconnecting the first and second regions 1 a and 1 b, and as a wholeis nearly rectangular except for the first region 1 a that is nearlycircular.

The first, nearly circular region 1 a has a planar size that is slightlylarger than the outer diameter of the fan 20, the second, nearlyrectangular region 1 b has a planar size that is slightly larger thanthat of the battery 4 and the intermediate region 1 c is in the planarform of a pair of deltas simply to make the first and second regionscontiguous so that there is no useless space in contour and volume ofthe apparatus.

As a result, the apparatus casing body 1 has its surface contourappropriately convexed and concaved, giving aesthetic accentuation toits overall shape and making the apparatus visually attractive to theuser.

In contrast, the casing body of a conventional apparatus of this typewas is monotonous in its surface contour without such an accentuation sothat its appearance was not much attractive to the user.

The air passages 14 can be formed not only in the first region 1 a butalso in both sides of the intermediate region 1 c so that chemical canbe emanated and diffused towards a greater number of directions.

Mention is next made of further configurations of the apparatuscomponents.

The first casing member 10 includes an outer shell 17, an inner shell 18and an inner plate 19. The outer shell 17 is dish shaped comprising asurface plate 17 a provided with side plates 17 b along it and formedwith air passage cutouts 50 and also with a first and a secondengagement section 51 and 52

The inner shell 18 comprises a base plate 18 a provided with a sideplate and is fitted into the outer shell 17.

The base plate 18 a is formed with a recess 53 open to the surface plate17 a of the outer shell 17. The motor 21 is received and mounted inposition in the recess 53 from which its output shaft 21 a projectspassing through the base plate 18 a and has the fan 20 attached thereto.The fan 20 is here a sirocco fan but may be a propeller fan or the like.

The side plate 18 b is provided with a plurality of draft guides 54 andalso with an engaging section 55 for engagement with the engagementsection 51.

The inner plate 19 has an annular reentrant 56 defining a circularopening 57 and is formed with an engaging section 58 for engagement withthe engagement section 52 of the outer shell 1 to cover the fan 20.

The makeup described above allows the air blower 2 to be readily set inposition in the first casing member 10, namely by accommodating andmounting the motor 21 in position in the recess 53 of the inner shell 18and fitting the inner shell 18 in this state into the outer shell 17,followed by attaching the fan 20 and then fitting the inner plate 19.Not only is this structure easy to assemble but also it looks agreeablewith the motor 21 placed out of view by the outer shell 17.

The outer shell 17 and the inner shell 18 also make the batteryaccommodating recess 15.

The second casing member 11 is dish shaped comprising a surface plate 11b provided with a side plate 11 c, which is formed with engagementsection 59 that is designed to engage with the engagement section 55 ofthe inner shell 18. The surface plate 11 b has a round raised area 11 dformed with the air passages 16, e. g., in the form of a plurality ofslits as shown.

The side plate 17 b of the outer shell 17 in the first casing member 10is formed midway of its length with a cutout 17 c while the side plate11 c of the second casing member 11 is likewise formed midway of itslength with a cutout 11 e, these cutouts being formed as opposed to eachother to provide the air passages 14, as shown in FIG. 1.

The chemical cartridge 3 includes a round dish-shaped receptacle 30 withits one side open, a disk-shaped chemical impregnated body 31 loaded inthis round receptacle 30 and a round lid 32 fitted into the latter.Here, the round receptacle 30 and round lid 32 are formed with airpassages 30 a air passages 32 a, respectively.

The chemical impregnated body 31 is a chemical carrier in the form of asheet-like or thin disk impregnated with a chemical.

The round receptacle 30 is placed on the annular reentrant 56 of theinner plate 19 so as to fit with and be carried by it. Then, bringingthe second casing member 11 into its closed position places its roundraised area 11 d in opposition to the round lid 32.

This sets the round receptacle 30 (and the chemical cartridge 3) inposition firmly in the apparatus casing body 1.

The air blower 2 and the battery 4 are spaced apart from each other inplanar position and do not overlap in the direction of thickness whilethe chemical cartridge 3 using a chemical impregnated body or carrier inthe form of a sheet is thin.

These in combination give rise to a blower type chemical diffusingapparatus which as a whole is thin.

The apparatus casing body 1 so that it can be used in suspension isprovided on its side face with a hanger loop 60 and also in its bottomface with a hanger opening 61, which can be alternatively used forhooking.

The hanger loop 60 may be formed, for example, of a U-shaped piece 62raised from and made integral with one of the side plates 18 b of theinner shell 18 in the first casing member 10 of the apparatus casingbody 1.

The hanger opening 61 may be formed in a nearly L-shaped attachmentpiece 63 raised from and made integral with the surface plate 17 a ofthe outer shell 17 in the first casing member 10 of the apparatus casingbody 1.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a hanger (hanging utensil) 64 may be usedthat has a first hook 60 and a second hook 66 which are to engage thepieces 62 and 63 for the hanger loop 65 and the hanger opening 61,respectively.

So equipped as mentioned above, a blower type chemical diffusingapparatus according to the present invention can be carried by the userby being hung on the hanger 64 which as shown in FIG. 5 can in turn behung on a belt the user wears.

Also, the use of the hanger 64 as a fall protector for the apparatuscasing body 1 upon inserting the hook 66 in the opening 61 and erectingthe casing body 1 longitudinally to stand on a supporting plane as shownin FIG. 6 allows a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus according tothe present invention to be used as it rests on a floor, table or thelike.

Further, a string can be tied to the hanger loop 60 and then be used tohang the apparatus on a wall or the like or on a part of the body or apiece of clothing of the user.

Also, the apparatus that is thus thin and compact can be readily handledby any user from a child to a grownup, with its casing body attached tothe waist, neck, arm or leg.

In FIGS. 1 and 4, a switch 5 and a lamp 6 are also shown. The switch 5is turned on and off to energize and deenergize the motor 21 whileturning the lamp 6 on and off, respectively.

The sheet-like carrier used as impregnated with a chemical in thepresent invention is illustratively made of a porous paper, cloth, wovenor nonwoven fabric or net material. Taking its stability as it is placedinto consideration, it is desirable that the chemical impregnated bodyfor use be firmly held by a receptacle and its lid or coating a portion,e. g., an outer peripheral portion, of the sheet-like chemicalimpregnated body with a resin or the like. Further, considering itsportability, it is desirable that the carrier be a thin sheet having athickness of 2 to 5 mm and an area of 700 to 3,000 mm².

The chemical for use in the present invention may be an insect pestcontrol agent such as an insecticide, miticide, vermin or pestrepellent, vermin growth retardant or sucking inhibitor, aromatic,deodorant or bactericide, and should be volatile.

Such chemicals, if used to kill insects, may be a variety of volatileinsecticides so far known, of which pyrethroid, carbamate,organophosphorus chemicals and so on can be listed, further of whichpyrethroid chemicals can preferably be used as generally high in safety.

Further, such specific chemicals as methofluthrin, transfluthrin,empenthrin, terallethrin and profluthrin which are highly active andwhich in a small amount exhibit efficaciousness can desirably be used asthey can make the chemical carrier thin and small.

The power supply for the motor 21 can illustratively be one or more ofdry cells such as alkaline dry cells of size AAAA, AAA, AA, C and D,manganese dry cells of size AAAA, AAA, AA, C and D, rectangular-shapedalkaline cell (9 volts), lithium cells and lithium button cells whichcan be used singly or in combination.

The fan 20 for use in the present invention can be a centrifugal fanwhich preferably has a size as stated below.

The centrifugal fan preferably has a diameter D of 30 mm to 60 mm. If itis smaller in diameter, then its rotation will not produce a sufficientcentrifugal force, which requires larger energy to rotate it morerapidly and deteriorates energy efficiency.

This also reduces the volume of the internal space that it takes, whichin turn reduces choices of the motor 21. Conversely, making the fanlarger in D than 60 mm will make the apparatus larger in size and itsportability poor.

The centrifugal fan preferably has a ratio: D/d of outer diameter D toinner diameter d that is 1.05 to 1.6. If it is smaller than 1.05, then aconsequential reduction of a fan blade in width will not produce enoughwind. Conversely, if it exceeds 1.6, then the resistance to rotationthat the fan blade receives will become excessive, again deterioratingits energy efficiency.

The centrifugal fan preferably has an effective height of blade hranging between 2 mm to 10 mm. If it is lower than 2 mm in height, theblade will not have enough surface area to produce adequate wind.Conversely, not only will a height more than 10 mm make the faninadequate to make the apparatus thin but also a resultant increase inresistance to rotation will reduce its energy efficiency.

If the motor is placed anywhere other than in the common internal spacein which the centrifugal fan is placed, there will be no bad influenceon wind inlet but it is then required that the apparatus have athickness at the minimum that is the sum of those of the fan and motor.This has been the way adopted by the prior art, however, in failing tomake an apparatus of this type so small in both thickness and size ashere.

If the motor housing (i. e., the recess 53 in FIG. 2) in which the motor21 is accepted takes more than 60% of the internal space taken to acceptthe centrifugal fan, then the balance space will be insufficient for thefan to develop enough air flow and operate efficiently.

Accordingly, the motor housing (i. e., the recess 53 in FIG. 2) storedwith the motor 21 should be sized to take a volume within 60% of theinternal space for the centrifugal fan to make the apparatus as a wholethin and small in size while operating efficiently to diffuse achemical.

This proportion, 60%, of space occupancy of the motor housing (i. e.,the recess 53 in FIG. 2) should preferably be approached.

An explanation is next given in respect of a second form ofimplementation of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, there is shown an apparatus casing body101 having a chemical receptacle (chemical cartridge) 102, a fan 103 anda motor 104 stored therein whereby with the fan 103 rotated by the motor104 air is drawn through air inlet ports 105 into the inside of thechemical receptacle 102 and strikes on the chemical receptacle 102having a chemical impregnated body impregnated with a chemical that isan insect pest control component). Air then entraining therein suchchemical from the chemical impregnated body in the chemical receptacle102 is discharged through a first and a second air discharge port 106and 107 into the outside of the casing body 101.

When the apparatus is used with the casing body 101 worn and carried bythe user, air containing the insect pest control component or chemicalis discharged both through the first air discharge port 106 upwards andthrough the second air discharge port 107 downwards.

The first and second air discharge ports 106 and 107 are each in theform of an inclined hole having a radial length and with an inlet 110that lies inner and open to the fan 103 and an outlet 111 that liesouter and open in an outer face 101 a of the casing body 101. In each ofthe first and second air discharge ports 106 and 107, the outer outlet111 is defined with its upstream and downstream side outlet hole edges111 a and 111 b while the inner inlet 110 is defined with its upstreamand downstream side inlet hole edges 110 a and 110 b. In each of thefirst and second air discharge ports 106 and 107, an upstream side guideface 112 connects the upstream side inlet hole edge 110 a in the innerinlet 110 and the upstream side outlet hole edge 111 a to each otherwhile a downstream side guide face 113 connects the downstream sideinlet hole edge 110 b and the downstream side outlet hole edge 111 b toeach other.

In each of the first and second air discharge ports 106 and 107, theupstream side guide face 112 is inclined so that the upstream sideoutlet hole edge 111 a lies downstream of the upstream side inlet holeedge 110 a, the guide face 112 being preferably arcuate.

In each of the first and second air discharge ports 106 and 107, thedownstream side guide face 113 is inclined so that the downstream sideoutlet hole edge 111 b lies downstream of the downstream side inlet holeedge 110 b, the guide face 113 being preferably arcuate.

The upstream side inner hole edge 110 a in the first air discharge port106 (e. g., the upstream side air discharge port) and the downstreamside inner hole edge 110 b in the second air discharge port 107 (e. g.,the downstream side air discharge port) lie preferably close to, andmore preferably also act as, the downstream side inlet hole edge 110 bin the second air discharge port 107 and the upstream side inlet holeedge 110 a in the first air discharge port 106, respectively.

Here, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used in relation to thedirection in which the fan 103 is rotated.

Also, the term “inclined” is used to the state of being inclined to aradial direction.

In other words, the first and second air discharge ports 106 and 107 areeach in the form of a hole inclined to a direction of rotation of thefan.

With the makeup described above, the rotation of the fan 103 causes airto issue forcibly through the first and second air discharge ports 106and 107 as indicated by the arrows a and b.

Thus, when the apparatus is used with the casing body 101 attached tothe waist of a user, air containing an insect pest control component isallowed to issue forcibly towards his/her head and feet. Since theinsect pest control component is therefore allowed to reach the head andfeet quickly, it is possible to protect the user from harmful insectsimmediately after the apparatus begins to be used.

Mention is next made of specific configurations of apparatus components.

The apparatus casing body 101 comprises a base member 120 and a covermember 121 removably attached thereto and is provided with a fan, achemical and a motor accommodating chamber 122, 123 and 124.

The fan accommodating chamber 122 is round in which a fan 103 isrotatably mounted. The fan accommodating chamber 122 has a roundperipheral face 122 a in which are open the first and second airdischarge ports 106 and 107, or their respective inner inlets 110.

Communicating with the fan accommodating chamber 122, the chemicalaccommodating chamber 123 is opposed and defined with the cover member121, the cover member 121 being formed with the air inlet ports 105.

The motor accommodating chamber 124 is formed in the base member 120 byopening in its rear face 120 a and is partitioned from the fanaccommodating chamber 122 by a wall of the base member 120, throughwhich the output shaft 104 a of a motor 104 is passed projecting intothe fan accommodating chamber 122 wherein it is coupled to the fan 103.

Also lying in the base member 120 is a battery accommodating section 126that is formed so as not to open the fan accommodating chamber 122 andfurther not to overlap the motor accommodating chamber 124 in thedirection of their thicknesses. The battery accommodating section 126 isformed in the base member 120 as a recess open to its rear face 120 aand spatially continuous with the motor accommodating chamber 124.

In this battery accommodating section 126, typically in two compartmentsthereof disposed as shown across the motor accommodating chamber 124 areaccepted two battery cells 127, respectively.

With this battery or these battery cells 127, the motor 104 is energizedand driven.

With the casing body 101 constructed as mentioned above, its thickness Hcan be minimized since the battery 127 and the motor 104 can no longeroverlap in its thickness direction.

Further, the motor accommodating chamber 124 and the batteryaccommodating section (recesses or compartments) which are open in therear face 120 a of the base member 120 can be with their cap or caps forclosure.

The casing body 101 is also provided in its base member 120 with ahanger loop 128 and a hanger hole 129.

The hanger loop 128 as shown in FIG. 7 enables the casing body 101 to behung on a hanging utensil 130 which can in turn be attached to orclipped on a user's belt or the like in use of the apparatus.

The hanging utensil 130 as shown in FIG. 10 has at its one end a hook131 that can engage the hanger loop 128 to hook the casing body 101 onthe hanging utensil 130, which has at its other end another hook 132that can be fitted into the hole 129.

With the hook 132 fitted in the hole 129 as shown in FIG. 7, therefore,the utensil 130 when oriented to stand as indicated by the imaginaryline with the hook 131 placed in contact with a supporting plane such asa table can also be used to support the casing body 101, namely theapparatus placed on thereon.

Of course, the apparatus can also be used with the rear face 120 a ofthe base member 120 placed on such a supporting surface.

The chemical receptacle 102 as shown in FIG. 11 comprises a rounddish-shaped receptacle 140 with its one side open and has a disk-shapedchemical impregnated body 141 loaded in this round receptacle 140 and around lid 142 fitted into the latter. Here, the round receptacle 140 andround lid 142 are formed with air passages 140 a air passages 142 a,respectively.

The chemical impregnated body 141 is a chemical carrier in the form of asheet-like or thin disk impregnated with a chemical.

The round receptacle 140 is placed on the annular reentrant 143 formedin a front face 120 b of the base member 120 so as to fit with and becarried by it.

As mentioned above, the chemical receptacle 102 using a chemicalintegrate body 141 in the form of a sheet-like carrier impregnated withan insect pest control component is thin and can make the apparatuscasing body 101 small in thickness H.

Mention is next made of further details of the first and second airdischarge ports 106 and 107.

Referring to FIG. 8, the fan 103 has its outer peripheral face 103 awhich is preferably spaced from the upstream side inlet hole edge 110 aby a distance A ranging from 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

The fan 103 has its center 103 b which is preferably spaced from theupstream side inlet hole edge 110 a by a distance R having relationship:r=1.05×R˜2.5×R where r is distance between the center 103 b of the fan103 and the upstream side outlet hole edge 111 a.

This converges wind flows produced by rotation of the fan 103 toconverge efficiently in the first and second air discharge ports 106(through these flow paths) and 107, thereby causing air containing theinsect pest control component to be forcibly discharged therethrough.

To wit, although it is desirable on the one hand that distance Aapproach A=0 infinitely, on the other hand if A<0.1 mm it then becomesdifficult to control accuracy of the members of which the apparatus ismade. Then, an inaccuracy will produce an interference between the fan103 and the upstream side inlet hole edge, which can be avoided only ata significant additional cost then required to achieve due precision.

Conversely, if A>5 mm, the wind by the fan 103 will then tend to be ledless into the first and second air discharge ports 106 and 107 andrather pass round the regions of distance A and circulate almost withinthe fan accommodating chamber 122. Then, the wind will be lost of itsforce there with a consequent loss of diffusion efficiency.

Also, if r<1.05×R, then the width of the first and second air dischargeports 106 and 107 will become so small that the wind by the fan 103while passing through them suffers a pressure loss.

Conversely, if r>2.5×R, then the width of the first and second airdischarge ports 106 and 107 will become so large in that the wind by thefan 103 spreads out suddenly there, losing its pressure again with aconsequent loss of diffusion efficiency.

Here, the term “width of the first and second air discharge ports 106and 107” is used to mean the radial distance between the inner inlet 110and the outer outlet 111.

While the first and second air discharge ports 106 and 107 are typicallyconstructed as mentioned above to have an identical air resistance todischarge an identical air flow therethrough so that an identical amountof the insect pest control component may be emitted towards both theuser's head and foot regions, it may be desirable depending on a placeof use to emit more of it towards one of these regions than towards theother.

Then, the air resistance of a selected one of the first and second airdischarge ports 106 and 107 can be made smaller than that of the otherto cause air entraining more in amount of the insect pest controlcomponent to be emitted through the selected air discharge port into theoutside air. Alternatively, a third air discharge port may additionallybe formed in the base member 120 through which to cause air containingthe insect pest control component to be emitted towards upwards ordownwards.

For example, in a modification here as shown in FIG. 12 a first, asecond and a third air discharge port 106, 107 and 108 may be formed asangularly spaced apart by an angle of 120° in a vertical plane such thatair is emitted through the first, second and third air discharge ports106, 107 and 108 upwards, downwards and obliquely upwards as indicatedby the arrows a, b and c, respectively.

This modification therefore permits the insect pest component to beemitted more upwards.

Should the apparatus be designed to cause the insect pest controlcomponent to be emitted more downwards, the third exhaust port 108 canbe so arranged and configured as to discharge air obliquely downwards.For example, the apparatus can take a position vertically opposite tothat shown in FIG. 12.

While only the first and second air discharge ports 106 and 107 or thefirst, second and third air discharge ports 106, 107 and 108 are shownabove to be provided, the apparatus especially when designed for use asworn on the waist may be formed with a subsidiary air discharge port orports to direct air laterally thereof where the insect pest controlcomponent may become deficient so that air is emitted in all directionswith upwards and downwards inclusive.

For example, subsidiary air discharge ports 109 facing laterally rightand left sides may be formed in a second modification here as shown inFIG. 13.

Such a subsidiary air discharge port 109 is substantially identical inshape to but larger in air resistance than the first and second airdischarge ports 106 and 107 mentioned above. For example, it is lessopen in the direction of rotation of the fan and less in the amount ofair discharged and less energetic than the first and second airdischarge ports 106 and 107.

Thus, the sizes in the rotation of the fan between the upstream sideinlet hole edge 110 a and the downstream side inlet hole edge 110 b andbetween the upstream side outlet hole edge 111 a and the downstream sideoutlet hole edge 111 b in the subsidiary air discharge port 109 aresmaller in than those in the first and second air discharge ports 106band 107.

Since this allows air containing the insect pest control component to bedischarged laterally towards the right and left sides as indicated bythe arrows d and e, the insect pest control component can be emittedlaterally of the user's waist, as well as towards the user's head andfeet.

One or two such subsidiary air discharge ports 109 may be provided ononly one or both of the right and left hand sides of the user's waist.

In effect, there need be no limitation imposed on the number ofsubsidiary air discharge ports as mentioned above.

The total number of air discharge ports is preferably at most six,including two main air discharge ports in the up and down sides (firstand air discharge ports 106 and 107) or three main air discharge portsin three sides (first, second and third air discharge ports 106, 107 and108) and one or more subsidiary air discharge ports 109. That will besufficient to cover insect pest control effects in lateral directionsand more than that will merely weaken the power of air upwards anddownwards.

To prevent entry of contaminants through the first, second and third airdischarge ports 106, 107, 108 and subsidiary air discharge ports 109, aplurality of current plates may be provided for these air dischargeports, which are preferably oriented horizontally parallel to wind flowsand mutually spaced apart by a distance of 1 to mm.

Each such current plate is preferably shaped rectangular, elliptical orin the form of a water drop or any other that does not impede windflows.

The chemical for use in the present invention may be a miticide, verminor pest repellent, insecticide, or vermin growth retardant or suckinginhibitor, and should be volatile.

Such chemicals, if used to kill insects, may be a variety of volatileinsecticides so far known, of which pyrethroid, carbamate,organophosphorus chemicals and so on can be listed, further of whichpyrethroid chemicals can preferably be used as generally high in safety.

Further, such specific chemicals as methofluthrin, transfluthrin,empenthrin, terallethrin and profluthrin which are highly active andwhich in a small amount exhibit efficaciousness can desirably be used asthey can make the chemical carrier thin and small.

The sheet-like carrier used as impregnated with a chemical in thepresent invention is illustratively made of a porous paper, cloth, wovenor nonwoven fabric or net material. Taking its stability as it is placedinto consideration, it is desirable that the chemical impregnated bodyfor use be firmly held by a receptacle and its lid or coating a portion,e. g., an outer peripheral portion, of the sheet-like chemicalimpregnated body with a resin or the like. The receptacle and lid may becomposed of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate,polypropylene, polyethylene, polyacetal, nylon, acrylic, ABS, paper, ASor metal. Further, considering its portability, it is desirable that thecarrier be a thin sheet having a thickness of 2 to 5 mm and an area of700 to 3,000 mm².

Especially, nonwoven fabric is suitable, preferably a “metsuke” (massper unit area) of 10 g/m² and more preferably 20 to 50 g/m². If itexceeds 100 g/m², then the chemical impregnated body will become toolarge in air resistance to pass the wind by the fan and to diffuse thechemical smoothly. Conversely, it is smaller than 10 g/m², the chemicalin amount that can be retained in the chemical carrier will be toolittle and soon become short of supply to justify its manufacture.

The fan may be a centrifugal fan such as a sirocco fan, radial fan orturbo fan.

The fan should be rotated at a rate of rotation of preferably 500 to4,000 rpm and more preferably 700 to 3,000 rpm.

The centrifugal fan should have a diameter preferably of 20 to 100 mmand preferably 30 to 60 mm. It should have a height preferably of 2 to50 mm and more preferably 5 to 20 mm.

The fan, especially sirocco fan or radial fan, should preferably have anumber of blades of 10 to 50.

The power supply for driving the fan can illustratively be one or moreof dry cells such as alkaline dry cells of size AAAA, AAA, AA, C and D,manganese dry cells of size AAAA, AAA, AA, C and D, rectangular-shapedalkaline cell (9 volts), lithium cells and lithium button cells whichcan be used single or in combination. A plurality such dry cells can beused connected in series or parallel. A secondary battery can also beused preferably equipped with an AC adapter for recharging by a domesticpower supply (at AC 100 volts).

The casing body 101 can be attached to the user not only by the hangeras shown but also in any way such as by means of a clip or with which tohang the apparatus on or a hole formed through which a belt or strap canbe passed to attach the apparatus on a region of the user's feet, waistor the arms.

The casing body 101 can be equipped with a switch to turn on offenergizing the apparatus and also with an indicator of LED, neon lamp orliquid crystal type for displaying the apparatus being energized.Further, the fan itself can be made visible from the outside so that thestate of the apparatus being energized can be seen from the fanrotating.

It should also be advantageous to set both the battery and chemicalimpregnated body in the chemical receptacle to end their suppliessimultaneously. Then, the battery and the chemical receptacle can bemounted in a cartridge so that they can be replaced as a body, therebyimproving the expediency of the apparatus in maintenance.

Conversely, if the battery and the chemical impregnated body are notmade ending simultaneously, then it should be desirable to make therespective endpoints of the battery and the chemical impregnated body inthe chemical receptacle indicated by being displayed individually.

While the casing body 101 (base member 120) is shown above as itsperipheral region forming the fan accommodating chamber 122 is larger inthickness to form the air discharge ports, this is not a limitation.

For example, a region of the casing body 101 that is outer to the fanaccommodating chamber 122 is formed with a plurality of guide bladescircumferentially spaced apart such that interstices between these guideblades form air discharge ports.

A substitute battery accommodating chamber or chambers may be providedin a region or regions lateral of the casing body 101 and to the basemember 120.

Although the foregoing description implies the user primarily as a humanbeing, the term is here applicable to a pet such as a dog or livestocksuch as a cow. In this case, a front to back region of it from its headto tail or from its face to belly and rear feet is an area of interestto which the insect pest control component is to be directed.

An explanation is next given in respect of a third form ofimplementation of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 a blower type chemical diffusingapparatus according to this form of implementation of the inventionincludes a chemical receptacle (chemical cartridge) 201 and an airblower 202. It further comprises a main casing body 205 having an airintake port 203 through which air is drawn by the air blower 202 and anair discharge port 204 through which air entraining therein a thechemical volatilizing from the chemical receptacle 201 is emitted; apower casing body 208 separated from the main casing body 205 andcontaining a power source 207 for the air blower 202 in the main casingbody 205; and an electrical cord 209 connecting between the main casingbody 205 and the power casing body 208 for energizing the air blower 202in the main casing body 205 from the power source 207 in the powercasing body 208.

More specifically, the main casing body 205 is in the form generally ofa circular cylinder that is axially short. And, it forms the air inletport that is largely open upwards while forming the air discharge port204 which is open in the form of a plurality of slits in one of its sidefaces. It should be noted here that the number of such air dischargeports and the size and shape of each of such air inlet and outlet portsare not limited to those shown and described.

And, the main casing body 205 has in its inside and beneath it the airblower 202 positioned. The air blower 202 comprises a motor 211 and asirocco fan 212 as a sort of the centrifugal fan wherein the motor 211having its output shaft connected to the fan 212. The sirocco fan 212has a number of slanting blades 213 circumferentially equidistantlyspaced apart, which are rotated by the motor 211 to draw air through theair inlet port 203 at the top of the sirocco fan 212 to cause air drawnto flow centrifugally within the main casing body 205 and to emanatethrough the air discharge port 204 from the side face of the main casingbody 205. However, the use here of the sirocco fan 212 being a sort ofthe centrifugal fan as the air blower 202 is not a limitation but anyother suitable fan such as, for example, a propeller fan having animpeller in the form of a propeller about its axis may be used. Whensuch a propeller fan is used as the blower fan, the main casing body 205may be formed at its bottom with an air passage hole serving as an airinlet port and may use the abovementioned port 203 as an air dischargeport. And, adjacent to the latter there may, as mentioned below, bedisposed the chemical receptacle 201 charged with a volatile chemical sothat air drawn by the blower fan through the air inlet port at thebottom passes through the chemical receptacle 201 at the air dischargeport across the blower fan and upon entraining therein the volatilizingchemical to issue into the outside.

The chemical receptacle 201 charged with the chemical and disposed asshown within the main casing body 205 is fitted with a region of themain casing body 205 defining the air inlet port 203 at its top so thatit lies above the air blower 202. As shown in FIG. 17, the chemicalreceptacle 201 is round and small in thickness and comprises an upperand a lower member 214 and 215 which to accept a chemical carrier(chemical impregnated body) between them and are fitted together. Theupper and lower members 214 and 215 are formed with large apertures 217and large apertures 218, respectively, through which air passes to causechemical contained in the chemical carrier 216 to volatilize.

The volatile chemical with which the chemical carrier is to beimpregnated in the chemical receptacle 201 is a chemical that serves asan insecticide, repellent, aromatic, deodorant, germicide or fungicide.Such chemicals, if used to kill insects, may be a variety of volatileinsecticides so far known, of which pyrethroid, carbamate,organophosphorus chemicals and so on can be listed, further of whichpyrethroid chemicals can preferably be used as generally high in safety.Further, such specific chemicals as methofluthrin, transfluthrin,empenthrin, terallethrin and profluthrin which are highly active andwhich in a small amount exhibit efficaciousness can desirably be used asthey can make the chemical carrier thin and small.

Also, the chemical receptacle 201 and the chemical carrier 216 are notlimited to types as described but may be any ones suitable to retain avolatile chemical. For example, the chemical carrier 216 may not only bein the form of a sheet but also may be in the form of a net, lattices, ahoneycomb, a flocculate, a sponge and may be large number of particleswhich are impregnated with a chemical. Further, the chemical receptacle201 need not be one in which a chemical carrier 216 impregnated with achemical is retained but may be one which itself is made of a hardsponge or foamed body and impregnated with a chemical, namely whichitself retains the chemical therein. Such a chemical receptacle 201 maybe of any suitable shape and of any suitable material as desired.

The main casing body 205 is formed at its lower face with a fitting 219for attaching thereto a fitting means 206 that enables the main casingbody 205 to be fitted onto an object wherein the fitting 219 is here inthe form of a thin and elongate hole extending in its depth across afull length of the casing main body 205.

Then, the fitting means 206 that enables attaching the main casing body205 to an object is attached to the fitting 219 which has a thin holepassing through the main casing body 205. The fitting means 206 is herein the form of a flexible and elongate belt 221 which with a buckle hadat its one end can be worn on a user's wrist. This wearing belt enablesthe main casing body 205 for the subject blower type chemical diffusingapparatus to be fitted to a user's wrist or the like for its use.

The fitting means 206 shown by the wearing belt 221 is not limited tothat described but may have a length ranging from several centimetersthat enables its fitting around a user's wrist or the like to 1 or 2meters suitable for fitting around a user's waist or any suitablesupporting object and thus may be of a length as desired. It may alsotake any of a variety of forms including a belt, band and string. Itsmaterial is not limited but may be any known suitable material such assynthetic resin, leather, cloth, textile and rubber. The attachmentmeans used for the wearing belt 221 need not be a buckle 222 as shownbut may take a button form, hook form, a plug-in belt form, aHook-and-Loop fastener (e. g., “magic tape” [registered trade mark])form or the like.

Further, the fitting means 206 need not be limited to a wearing belt 221as shown but may take a form of a belt to be worn around a leg, a hook223 for hooking at a belt worn on a pant or at a pocket as shown in FIG.18, or a form of pin or clip to be attached directly to clothing.

The power casing body 208 includes the power source 207 for the airblower 202 in the main casing body 205 and is separate from the maincasing body 205. The power source 207 included in the power casing body208 is a battery 224. The power casing body 208 is a box of a size thatis the minimum for accepting the battery 224 required, for example,comprising two dry cells. The battery 224 other than a dry cell or cellsmay be a rechargeable battery. Separating the power casing body 208 fromthe main casing body 205 allows making the power casing body 208 largerin size so that the battery 224 larger in size and dry cells 224 largerin number can be used accepted therein.

This in turn permits increasing the voltage that can be applied to themain casing body 205 so as to make the output power of the air blower202, e. g., the strength of the driven fan, finely adjustable whilemaking the subject blower type chemical diffusing apparatus usable overa prolonged time span.

The power casing body 208 may also be adapted so it can have a fittingmeans 206 attached thereto that enables it to be an object. The fittingmeans 206 may, here too, be a wearing belt 221, a hook 223, or a pin orclip as mentioned above.

The coupling cord 209 extending between the main casing body 205 and thepower casing body 208 to connect them together is an electrical cord forelectrically energizing the air blower 202 in the casing main body 205from the battery 224 as the power source 207 in the power casing body208. The connection cord 209 should preferably be made as small indiameter as possible. The connection cord 209 may optionally be providedmidway or at its one end with a take-up mechanism to make its lengthadjustable.

In FIG. 19, the connection cord 209 is shown also provided with afitting means 206 that enables itself to be attached to an object. Thefitting means 206 here is an attaching member 225 that may be aHook-and-Loop fastener tape (e. g., a “magic tape”—registered trademark)attached to the connection cord 209 at its midway and having surfaceirregularities to enable the member to stick to clothing or the like.The attaching member 225 is, of course, not limited to this particularexample but may be a safety pin or a clothespin or any other suitablemeans that can make the connection cord 209 clinging to clothing or thelike.

The connection cord 209 may be adapted to make itself detachable fromthe main casing body 205 or the power casing body 208 or both.

With the connection cord 209 made detachable from both the main casingbody 205 and the power casing body 208, as shown in FIG. 20 the maincasing body 205 may be provided on its side face with a pin 226projecting therefrom and the power casing body 208 provided in its sideface with a jack 227 recessed therein. Then, the connection cord 20 maybe provided at its one end with a jack 228 and at its other end with apin 229. This permits the main casing body 205 and the power casing body208 which are normally connected together via the connection cord 209for use of the apparatus to be used in the state that they are directlyconnected together depending on particular circumstances of their use.

In an example of the use of the blower type chemical diffusing apparatusconstructed as mentioned above, the main casing body 205 is fitted to awrist, leg or waist portion of the body of a user via the wearing belt221. On the other hand, the power casing body 208 is accepted in apocket of clothing or a pant of the user or attached to the user's waistvia another wearing belt 221. Then, the main casing body 205 and thepower casing body 208 are connected together via the connection cord 209and electric current is passed to the main casing body 205 from thepower casing body 208 via the connection cord 209 to operate the airblower 202 in the main casing body 205. Then, the air blower 202 in themain casing body 205 draws air through the air inlet ports 203 andcauses air drawn to pass through the chemical receptacle 201 included inthe main casing body 205 and air entraining therein chemicalvolatilizing from the chemical receptacle 201 to emanate and diffuselaterally into the outside through the air discharge ports.

With a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus which as mentioned abovecomprises a main casing body 205 whereby air drawn by an air blower 202is emanated together with a chemical volatilizing from a chemicalreceptacle 201 and entrained therein, a power casing body 208 separatefrom the main casing body 205 for accommodating a battery 224 as a powersupply 207 for the air blower 202, and a connection cord 209 forconnecting the main casing body 205 and the power casing body 208 toeach other, the main casing body 205 is rendered small in size and lightin weight by virtue of the fact that the power casing body 208containing the battery 224 as the power supply 207 that is theweightiest of components of the apparatus is made separate from the maincasing body 205 and that the main casing body 205 is allowed merely tocontain the chemical receptacle 201 and the air blower 202. This allowsa user, for example, to fit the main casing body 205 of the subjectblower type chemical diffusing apparatus on its wrist or the like usinga wearing belt 221 and to store the power casing body 208 in a pocket ofits clothing and then to use the apparatus comfortably without feelingdisagreeable with the size and weight of the apparatus.

Also, since the main casing body 205 and the power casing body 208 whichare separated from each other are used in the state that they areconnected together via the connection cord 209, even if either the maincasing body 205 or the power casing body 208 in use happen to fall upondetaching from the user's body on which they are worn, the connectioncord 209 coupling them together prevents them from being lost together.

Also, making the connection cord 209 removable from the main casing body205 and the power casing 208 allows the connection cord 209 in the useof the apparatus after either the main casing body 205 or the powercasing body 208 is fitted onto the user's body to be connected to it,thereby facilitating its fitting onto the user's body.

Further, providing the main casing body 205, the power casing body 208,the connecting cord 209 or each of two or all of them with a fittingmeans 206, e. g., a wearing belt 221, a hook 223, a pin or a clip, thatenables the same to be fitted on any supporting object as desired allowsthe subject blower type chemical diffusing apparatus to be easily fittedonto any desired part of the user's body or any other supporting object.

The blower type chemical diffusing apparatus according to the presentinvention is not limited to the particular forms of implementationillustrated above. For example, while the battery 224 contained as thepower source 207 in the power casing body 208 is illustrated ascomprising a dry cell or cells, it may be a solar cell or cells. Shoulda solar cell or cells be used as the power source 207 or the battery224, the subject blower type chemical diffusing apparatus may be used asshown in FIG. 21 upon sticking the power casing body 208 onto the brimof a hat the user wears or a shoulder or the like of the user whilefitting the main casing body 205 onto a wrist of the user by means ofthe wearing belt 221.

Also, the subject blower type chemical diffusing apparatus can be usednot only by a human being. For example, it may be used on a pet such asa dog. In this case, as shown in FIG. 22 the main casing body 205 may befitted to a collar 231 of the pet by means of the fitting means 206 suchas a hook and the power casing body 208 fitted onto a wrist or the likeof its owner. Then, a connection cord 209 to extend between the maincasing body 205 and the power casing body 208 may be put together with alead 232 to extend between the pet's collar 231 and a owner's hand toform a cord incorporated lead for use on a pet.

Also, while in the forms of implementation described above, the fittingmeans 206 is shown as necessarily attached to the main casing body 205,this is not a limitation. A fitting means 206 as described may beattached to each of the main casing body 205, the power casing body 208and the connection cord 209 or one or each of two of them. It is alsopossible to provide a subject blower type chemical diffusing apparatusomitting the fitting means 206.

Also, while in the forms of implementation described above, the maincasing body 205 is shown as having the chemical receptacle 201 disposedadjacent to the air inlet ports 203, the chemical receptacle 201 may bedisposed adjacent to the air discharge ports 204 when equipped with asuitable mounting means therefor. Further, it is possible to provide achemical receptacle 201 for each of the air inlet and air dischargeports 203 and 204. It is also possible to disposed a chemical receptacle201 at an inner or outer peripheral side of the sirocco fan 212 and thento integrate the chemical receptacle 201 with the air blower 202, or tohave the sirocco fan 212 in the air blower 202 carry a chemical and tomake it removable, or to attach or dispose a chemical receptacle 201 inthe form of a porous sheet at the front of a large number of blades 213in the sirocco fan 212 and to make it removable.

An explanation is next given in respect of a fourth form ofimplementation of the present invention.

While with reference to FIG. 25 a chemical cartridge of the presentinvention will, as an example of its use, be described as applied to ablower type chemical diffusing apparatus using a chemical cartridge todiffuse a chemical into an atmosphere, it will be understood that thepresent invention when applied is not limited to this particular use.

As shown in FIG. 25, a main casing body 301 is provided with an airblower 302 and has a chemical cartridge 303 removably attached theretowherein a fan 304 of the air blower 302 is rotated by a motor 305 topass air through the chemical cartridge 303.

The main casing body 301 includes a base member 310 and a cover member311, is formed with a blower mounting section 312 and a batteryaccepting section 313 and has an air inlet section 314 and an airdischarge section 315.

The air blower 302 has a fan 304 and a motor 305 mounted in a housing306 provided in the blower mounting section 312. The housing 306 has anair inlet port 306 a communicating with the air inlet section 314 andalso has an air discharge port (not shown) communicating with the airdischarge section 315.

A battery 307 shown as comprising two dry cells is attached into thebattery accepting section 313.

The cover member 311 is so connected to the main casing body 310 that itcan be opened and closed whereby opening the cover member 311 allows thechemical cartridge 303 and the battery 307 to be removed and fitted in.

The chemical cartridge 303 is adapted to accept a chemical carrier orimpregnated body 320 in the form of a porous or air permeable and liquidabsorptive sheet impregnated with a chemical, and has a retainer orretainer receptacle 321 for retaining the chemical impregnated body 320.

In other words, since the chemical impregnated body 320, which is in theform of such a sheet, so liquid-absorptive and so weak in stiffness thatit cannot sustain itself and if it is held directly by a hand, achemical therein may adhere to the hand, it is held along a portionthereof with the retainer receptacle 321 to cause air to pass throughother portions thereof.

So configured and arranged, the chemical cartridge 303 can be made thinbecause the chemical carrier or impregnated body 320 is here thin andthe retainer receptacle 321 can be made thin.

Therefore, using such a chemical cartridge 303 allows thinning a blowertype chemical diffusing apparatus as described.

The retainer receptacle 321 includes a holder section 321 a holdingupper and lower faces of the chemical impregnated body 320 from up anddown and an air flow section 321 b through which air flows.

Between the holder section 321 a and the chemical impregnated body 320there is formed a space 321 c, which is open to the outside through avent section 321 d formed in holder section 321 a so that air may bepassed through the space 321 c.

Preferably, the holder section 321 a is formed with a recess where it iscontacting the lower face of the chemical impregnated body 320 and thespace 321 c is formed between this recess and the lower face of thechemical impregnated body 320. And, the holder section 321 a where it iscontacting the upper face of the chemical impregnated body 320 is formedwith vent holes constituting the vent section 321 d and through whichthe space 321 c (recess) is open to the outside.

So constructed, the retainer receptacle 321 can retain the chemicalimpregnated body 320 in the form of a sheet while maintaining its shapeand can be held with a hand without the fear that chemical maycontaminate the hand.

Also, while chemical in a region of the chemical impregnated body 320where it is held by the holder section 321 a is no volatilizing with airflow since air flow is prevented there, the chemical there is stillvolatilizing into the space 321 c and from the latter to the outsidethrough the air flow section 321 b and thus allowed to emanate anddiffuse into the environmental atmosphere.

While mention is specifically made below of the retainer receptacle 321as regards its possible shape, it should be understood that this is byway of example only and not limiting the same.

The retainer receptacle 321 as shown in FIGS. 25 to 31 comprises areceptacle body member 330 and a receptacle cover member 340 by andbetween which the chemical impregnated body 320 is held and retained.

The receptacle body member 330 has a central support section 331, aperipheral support section 332 spaced from and around the centralsupport section 330 and a plurality of intermediate support sections 333connecting the peripheral support section 332 to the central supportsection 331 wherein a space defined with the central support section331, the peripheral support section 332 and neighboring intermediatesupport sections 333 connected together by the peripheral supportsection 332 is open constituting an air flow section 334.

The central support section 331 has its upper face 331 a formed with arecess 335 where it is contacting the lower face of the chemicalimpregnated body 320 and forming the space 321 c elsewhere where it isopposed to the lower face of the chemical impregnated body 320.

The peripheral support sections 332 have its upper face 332 a formedwith an annular recess 336 where they are contacting the lower face ofthe chemical impregnated body 320 and forming the space 321 c elsewherethey are opposed to the lower face of the chemical impregnated body 320.

The intermediate support sections 333 have their upper faces 333 aformed with recesses 337 where they are contacting the lower face of thechemical impregnated body 320 which recesses communicate between therecess 335 and the annular recess 336, the upper faces 333 a forming thespace 321 c elsewhere where they are opposed to the lower face of thechemical impregnated body 320.

The receptacle cover member 340 has a central hold section 341, aplurality of peripheral hold sections 342 spaced and around the centralhold section 341 and a plurality of intermediate hold sections 343connecting the peripheral hold section 342 to the central hold section341 wherein a space defined with the central hold section 341, theperipheral hold section 342 and neighboring intermediate hold sections343 connected together by the peripheral section 342 is openconstituting an air flow section 344.

The central hold section 341 is identical in size to the central supportsection 331 and has a vent hole 345 opposed to the recess 335.

The peripheral hold section 342 is identical in size to the peripheralsupport section 332 and has a vent hole 346 opposed to the annularrecess 336.

The intermediate hold sections 343 are identical in shape and size tothe intermediate support sections 333, and the air flow sections 344 areopposed to the air flow sections 334 so that air smoothly flows throughboth the air flow sections 334 and 344. The intermediate hold sections343 are formed with vent holes 347 so they are opposed to the recesses337, respectively.

The receptacle body member 330 and the receptacle cover member 340 aredetachably attached together.

In the form of implementation illustrated, the peripheral supportsection 332 has its outer edge raised from its upper face 332 a to forma raised rim 332 b in the form of a ring in which is the chemicalimpregnated body 320 and then the receptacle cover member 340 fitted.

As an alternative to this attachment design, the cover member 340 may beformed with such a raised rim which can be fitted over the outer edge orrim of the peripheral support section 332 to attach the cover member 340to the receptacle body member 330. Yet alternatively, the receptaclebody and cover members 330 and 340 may be provided with a pin and a holewhich can be mated with each other to attach these members together.

Also, while in this firm of implementation the intermediate support andhold sections 333 and 343 are each shown comprising a plurality ofsubsections extending radially, not only may such subsections if adoptedbe in the form of a lattice but also each section 333, 343 may, forexample, comprise a porous plate or the like.

So constructed and arranged as mentioned above, the retainer receptacle321 acts to hold and support the chemical impregnated body 320 bysupporting and holding a central region thereof with and between thecentral support and hold sections 331 and 341, a peripheral regionthereof with and between the peripheral support and hold sections 332and 342 and an intermediate region thereof with and between theintermediate support and hold sections 333 and 343.

This allows air flowing through the air flow sections 334 and 344 topass through the chemical impregnated body 320.

Air is also allowed to flow through the space 321 c formed between therecesses 335, 336 and 337 and the lower face of the chemical impregnatedbody 320.

So constructed and adapted as mentioned above, the chemical cartridge303 is loaded in the main casing body 301 and in this form ofimplementation is attached to the upper face of the housing 306.

And, rotating the fan 304 causes air to flow through the chemicalimpregnated body 320 and chemical to emanate and diffuse into theenvironmental atmosphere.

Also, chemical in a region of the chemical impregnated body 320 which isheld between each pair of support and hold sections is allowed tovolatilize the space 321 c and then to be entrained there in air flowingfrom the vent holes whereby air having chemical entrained therein isemitted into the atmosphere as the fan 304 is rotated.

Also, with the support sections 331, 332 and 333 formed on their upperfaces with the recesses 335, 336 and 337 to form the space 321 c andwith the hold sections 341, 342 and 343 formed with the vent holes 345,346 and 347 to make the space 321 c open to the outside, it is possibleto use the recesses 335, 336 and 337 to have a used chemical carrier 320impregnated again with a chemical.

For example, a used chemical cartridge (with a chemical carrier depletedof chemical) 303 is removed from the main casing body 301 and liquidchemical is poured into the vent holes 345, 346 and 347 to supply andstore the recesses 335, 336 and 337 therewith.

Liquid chemical stored in the recesses 335, 336 and 337 is allowed toimpregnate into the chemical carrier 320 over its entire body to form anunused chemical cartridge impregnated with the chemical.

Since liquid chemical loaded in the recess 335 is impregnated into acenter region of the chemical carrier 320, liquid chemical loaded in theannular recess 336 is impregnated into a peripheral region of thechemical carrier 320 and liquid chemical loaded in the recess 337 forcommunication is impregnated into an intermediate region of the chemicalcarrier 320, the chemical carrier 320 is impregnated with chemicalquickly over its entire body.

Here, ways in which to supply a liquid chemical may visually check anamount of its supply using a calibrated dropping pipette, a dosageampule, a metered container or a container with a metering cup, or anozzle.

Also, since in supplying a chemical it is convenient if the time of itssupply can visually be checked, it is desirable to use a chemicalimpregnated body 320 that may be of known type with an indicatordisplaying the time of its depletion.

While in the form of implementation described above the receptacle bodymember 330 is shown as having three support sections 331, 332 and 333formed in their upper faces 331 a, 332 a and 333 a with recesses 335,336 and 337 and the receptacle cover member 340 as having three holdsections 341, 342 and 343 formed with vent holes 345, 346 and 347, notlimiting the same and they may have only a pair of opposed support andhold sections formed with a recess and a vent hole, respectively, or twopairs of opposed support and hold sections formed with recesses and ventholes, respectively.

To wit, there should be at least a pair of opposed support and holdsections formed with a recess and a vent hole, respectively.

For example, in a modification as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, theperipheral support section 332 in the receptacle body member 330 mayhave its inner edge bent inwards to form an annular recess 336 whosecross section is in the form of a V, providing a space 321 c betweenitself and the lower face of the chemical impregnated body 320.

On the other hand, portions of the peripheral hold section 342 in thereceptacle cover member 340, e. g. portions where it continues to theintermediate hold sections, may be bent inwards to form recesses 348.

These recesses 348 are formed to provide vent sections 321 d betweenthemselves and the raised rim 332 b of the receptacle body member 330.

While in this case the space 321 c is formed beneath the chemicalimpregnated body 320, it may alternatively be formed above or both aboveand beneath the chemical impregnated body 320.

Not only is a chemical cartridge 303 according to the present inventionused with a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus as described above,but also it can be directly attached to the fan in an air blower and mayotherwise be integrated into the fan. Further, it can be disposed ineither an air inlet or outlet side. Yet further, it can be attached atthe blowout port of an air conditioner.

The chemical that can be impregnated into a chemical carrier orimpregnated body of the present invention may be a insect pest controlagent (insecticide, repellent, growth inhibitor, miticide, insectcontrol essential oil or the like), aromatic, aromatic deodorant,deodorant, fungicide, disinfectant or vermin repellent, and especiallysuch a chemical that is volatile at an ordinary temperature or air flowconditions.

Such chemicals, if used to kill insects, may be a variety of volatileinsecticides so far known, of which pyrethroid, carbamate,organophosphorus chemicals and so on can be listed, further of whichpyrethroid chemicals can preferably be used as generally high in safety.

Further, such specific chemicals as methofluthrin, transfluthrin,empenthrin, terallethrin and profluthrin which are highly active andwhich in a small amount exhibit efficaciousness can desirably be used asthey can make the chemical carrier thin and small.

The blank materials of which the chemical carrier of the presentinvention may be formed include natural and chemical fibers, nonwovenfabric (of natural, chemical and carbon fibers), resin net (polyester,polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride), cloth (woven or knitted), paper yarn(pulp, linter, synthetic paper). The material may be a formed body suchin the form of a sheet, net, honeycomb, drain board, or lattice, a bodyyieldable to keep its shape when confined, or flocculate or sponge.

Of these materials, a sheet-like material of nonwoven fabric that excelsin air permeability and chemical retention is preferred.

An explanation is next given in respect of a fifth form ofimplementation of the present invention.

While with reference to FIG. 34 a chemical cartridge in another form ofthe present invention will, as an example of its use, be described asapplied to a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus using a chemicalcartridge to diffuse a chemical into an atmosphere, this particular useis not a limitation of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 34, a main casing body 401 is provided with an airblower 402 and has a chemical cartridge 403 removably attached theretowherein a fan 404 of the air blower 402 is rotated by a motor 405 topass air through the chemical cartridge 403.

The main casing body 401 includes a base member 410 and a cover member411, is formed with a blower mounting section 412 and a batteryaccepting section 413 and has an air inlet section 414 and an airdischarge section 415.

The air blower 402 has a fan 404 and a motor 405 mounted in a housing406 provided in the blower mounting section 412. The housing 406 has anair inlet port 406 a communicating with the air inlet section 414 andalso has an air discharge port (not shown) communicating with the airdischarge section 415.

A battery 407 shown as comprising two dry cells is attached into thebattery accepting section 413.

The cover member 411 is so connected to the main casing body 410 that itcan be opened and closed whereby opening the cover member 411 allows thechemical cartridge 403 and the battery 407 to be removed and fitted in.

The chemical cartridge 403 is adapted to accept a chemical carrier orimpregnated body 420 in the form of a porous or air permeable and liquidabsorptive sheet impregnated with a chemical, and has a retainer orretainer receptacle 421 for retaining the chemical impregnated body 420.

In other words, since the chemical impregnated body 420, which is in theform of such a sheet, so liquid-absorptive and so weak in stiffness thatit cannot sustain itself and if it is held directly by a hand, achemical therein may adhere to the hand, it is held along a portionthereof with the retainer receptacle 421 to cause air to pass throughother portions thereof.

The retainer receptacle 421 includes a holder section 421 a holding thechemical impregnated body 420 and an air flow section 421 b throughwhich air flows. The holder section 421 a has a liquid pool recess 421 cat its center, namely at the center of the retainer receptacle 421.

The housing 406 is formed with a recess 406 b in which the retainerreceptacle 421 is fitted and firmly seated. Then, rotating the fan 404causes air to flow through the chemical impregnated body 420 andchemical to emanate and diffuse therewith into the environmentalatmosphere.

So constructed as mentioned above, the chemical cartridge 403 after use,namely with chemical carrier 420 depleted of chemical, is removed fromthe main casing body 401, and liquid chemical is supplied into theliquid pool recess 421 c and pooled there.

Liquid chemical pooled in the liquid pool recess 421 c is allowed toimpregnate the chemical carrier 420 progressively therewith over itsentire body to form an unused chemical cartridge impregnated with thechemical.

Therefore, this is a chemical cartridge that can be repeatedly used bybeing re-supplied with chemical each time it is used up.

Since the chemical cartridge 403 is seated opposed to the fan 404 withits center opposed to the center of the fan 404, the center of theretainer receptacle 421 is opposed to that of the fan 404.

Thus, provided positioned at the center of the retainer receptacle 421,the liquid pool recess 421 c in the use of the apparatus lies in an areawhere the air flows by rotation of the fan 404 are scarce, and littleimpedes them, permitting almost all of them to pass through the chemicalimpregnated body 420 and thereby to be consumed effectively to diffusechemical into the atmosphere with little loss of the output of the airblower 402.

To wit, the liquid pool recess 421 c as shown in FIG. 34 is positionedto lie opposed to the center of the fan 404 coupled to the axis ofrotation 405 a of the motor 405 where the air flows from the fan 404reach least around it and are substantially in no way impeded by thepresence of the liquid pool recess 421 c.

Also, the chemical cartridge 403 can be made thin because the chemicalcarrier or impregnated body 420 is here thin and the retainer receptacle321 can be made thin.

Mention is next made of a specific shape of the retainer receptacle 421.

The retainer receptacle 421 as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 comprises areceptacle body member 430 and a receptacle cover member 440 by andbetween which the chemical impregnated body 420 is held and retained.

The receptacle body member 430 has a central support section 431, aperipheral support section 432 spaced from and around the centralsupport section 430 and a plurality of connecting support sections 433connecting the peripheral support section 432 to the central supportsection 431 wherein a space defined with the central support section431, the peripheral support section 432 and neighboring connectingsupport sections 433 connected together by the peripheral supportsection 432 is open constituting an air flow section 434.

The central support section 431 has its support face 431 a formed with arecess 435.

The receptacle cover member 440 has a central hold section 441, aplurality of peripheral hold sections 442 spaced and around the centralhold section 441 and a plurality of connecting hold sections 443connecting the peripheral hold section 442 to the central hold section441 wherein a space defined with the central hold section 441, theperipheral hold section 442 and neighboring connecting hold sections 443connected together by the peripheral section 442 is open constituting anair flow section 444.

The central hold section 441 is identical in size to the central supportsection 431 and has a supply port 445 opposed to the recess 435, thesupply port 445 and the recess 435 constituting the liquid pool recess421 c.

The peripheral hold section 442 is identical in size to the peripheralsupport section 432.

The connecting hold sections 443 are identical in shape and size to theconnecting support sections 433, and the air flow sections 444 areopposed to the air flow sections 434 so that air smoothly flows throughboth the air flow sections 434 and 444.

The receptacle body member 430 and the receptacle cover member 440 aredetachably attached together.

In the form of implementation illustrated, the peripheral supportsection 432 has its outer edge raised from its support face 432 a toform a raised rim 432 b in the form of a ring in which the chemicalimpregnated body 420 is fitted and then the receptacle cover member 440is fitted.

As an alternative to this attachment design, the cover member 440 may beformed with such a raised rim which can be fitted over the outer edge orrim of the peripheral support section 432 to attach the cover member 440to the receptacle body member 430. Yet alternatively, the receptaclebody and cover members 430 and 440 may be provided with a pin and a holewhich can be mated with each other to attach these members together.

Also, while in this firm of implementation the connecting support andhold sections 433 and 443 are each shown comprising a plurality ofsubsections extending radially, not only may such subsections if adoptedbe in the form of a lattice but also each section 433, 443 may, forexample, comprise a porous plate or the like.

So constructed and arranged as mentioned above, the retainer receptacle421 acts to hold and support the chemical cartridge 420 by supportingand holding a central region thereof with and between the centralsupport and hold sections 431 and 441, a peripheral region thereof withand between the peripheral support and hold sections 432 and 442 and anintermediate region thereof with and between the connecting support andhold sections 433 and 443.

This allows air flowing through the air flow sections 434 and 444 topass through the chemical impregnated body 420.

Thus, a used chemical cartridge (with a chemical carrier depleted ofchemical) 403 is removed from the main casing body 401 and liquidchemical is poured into the supply port 445 to supply and store therecess 435, or the recess 435 and the supply port 445 therewith.

Liquid chemical stored in the recess 435 is allowed to impregnate intothe chemical carrier 320 over its entire body to form an unused chemicalcartridge impregnated with the chemical.

The depth of the liquid pool recess 421 c can be determined depending onthe amount of chemical to be supplied and has no particular limitation.If the lower face of the sheet and the upper face of the recess 435 abuteach other, the depth may then be such that the liquid chemical suppliedstays by its surface tension with the sheet body. If the depth isexcessive, then some liquid may be left without contacting the sheet.

Mention is next made of a first modification of the chemical cartridgementioned above.

As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the central support section 431 of thereceptacle body member 430 is made larger in size than the central holdsection 441 of the receptacle cover member 440 with recess 435 larger insize than the central hold section 441.

The central hold section of the cover member 440 is made thicker thanthe connecting section 443 so it protrudes downwards beyond eachconnecting section 443 to press the chemical impregnated body 420 intothe recess 435 therewith.

This assists the chemical stored in the recess 435 to impregnate intothe body the sheet.

If the sheet is positioned to lie close to or in contact with the baseof the recess 435 as shown in FIG. 37, the depth of the recess 421 c isdetermined depending on the amount of chemical to be supplied and neednot be much since the chemical as soon as it is supplied will begin topermeate around.

The preceding form of implementation and its first modificationmentioned above are particularly advantageous if the chemicalimpregnated body 420 is small. If it is large, it is desirable to form aliquid pool recess in the peripheral section as well so that chemicalmay be supplied into both the central and peripheral sections topermeate both from central towards peripheral and from peripheraltowards central.

This is effective to have chemical permeate quickly into the entire bodyof a sheet and thus advantageous in the man manufacture of suchproducts.

For example, in a second modification as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, inthe receptacle body member 431 the central support section 431 is formedwith the recess 435 and the peripheral section 432 is formed with aperipheral recess 436 that is e. g., annular.

The central hold section 441 in the cover member 440 is formed with thesupply port 445. Each connecting section 443 is extend outwards toproject from each peripheral hold section 442, forming an extension 443a in contact with the raised edge 432 b while providing a gap betweenthe peripheral hold section 442 and the raised edge 432 b to constitutea peripheral supply port 446.

A peripheral recess 436 thus formed is made to act as a liquid poolrecess 421 c in the peripheral section.

In this second modification, the peripheral hold section 442 is madethicker than the central hold section 441 to press a peripheral edge ofthe chemical impregnated body 420 into the peripheral recess 436 toassist the chemical to permeate into the chemical impregnated body 420.

Also, in a third modification as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, theperipheral support section 432 of the receptacle body member 430 is bentdownwards so that a peripheral recess 436 is formed by the bentperipheral support section 432 and the raised edge 432 b.

The connecting sections 443 of the cover member 440 are also bentdownwards so the peripheral hold section 442 conforms to the bentperipheral support section 432.

This presses a peripheral edge of the chemical impregnated body 420against the peripheral support section 432.

Portions of the peripheral hold section 442 of the cover member 440, e.g., where it connects to the connecting sections 443, are deformed toform dents 442 a there, thereby forming openings between these dents andthe raised edge 432 b, respectively, to constitute peripheral supplyports 446.

Also, in a fourth modification as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the centralhold section 441 of the cover member 440 is formed with a downwardfacing recess 445 a which is in turn formed on its top face with aplurality of small supply holes 445 b whereby the downward facing recess445 a and the supply holes 445 b constitute a supply port 445 and thesupply port 445 and the recess 435 constitute a liquid pool recess 421c.

The peripheral hold section 442 of the cover member 440 comprises aninner vertical subsection 448 and a top flat subsection 449 which definea downward facing recess 446 a wherein the top flat subsection is formedwith peripheral supply holes 446 b which together with the downwardfacing recess 446 a constitute a peripheral supply port 446 and thelatter and the peripheral recess 436 constitute a liquid pool recess 421c in the peripheral section.

Also, it is possible to enhance the surface tension of liquid chemicalwith the sheet. To this end, the inner base of each of the recesses maybe processed by embossing or the like to impart surface irregularitiesthereto, to create small spaces in the form of a lattice, or a pluralityof raised edges may be provided to form grooves.

As mentioned before, ways in which to supply a liquid chemical into aliquid pool recess 421 c may visually check an amount of its supplyusing a calibrated dropping pipette, a dosage ampule, a meteredcontainer or a container with a metering cup, or a nozzle.

Also, since in supplying a chemical it is convenient if the time of itssupply can visually be checked, it is desirable to use a chemicalimpregnated body 420 that may be of known type with an indicatordisplaying the time of its depletion.

Further, not only is a chemical cartridge 403 according to the presentinvention used with a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus asdescribed above, but also it can be directly attached to the fan in anair blower and may otherwise be integrated into the fan. Further, it canbe disposed in either an air inlet or outlet side. Yet further, it canbe attached at the blowout port of an air conditioner.

The chemical that can be impregnated into a chemical carrier orimpregnated body 420 of the present invention may be a insect pestcontrol agent (insecticide, repellent, growth inhibitor, miticide,insect control essential oil or the like), aromatic, aromatic deodorant,deodorant, fungicide, disinfectant or vermin repellent, and especiallysuch a chemical that is volatile at an ordinary temperature or air flowconditions.

Such chemicals, if used to kill insects, may be a variety of volatileinsecticides so far known, of which pyrethroid, carbamate,organophosphorus chemicals and so on can be listed, further of whichpyrethroid chemicals can preferably be used as generally high in safety.

Further, such specific chemicals as methofluthrin, transfluthrin,empenthrin, terallethrin and profluthrin which are highly active andwhich in a small amount exhibit efficaciousness can desirably be used asthey can make the chemical carrier thin and small.

The blank materials of which the chemical carrier of the presentinvention may be formed include natural and chemical fibers, nonwovenfabric (of natural, chemical and carbon fibers), resin net (polyester,polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride), cloth (woven or knitted), paper yarn(pulp, linter, synthetic paper). The material may be a formed body inthe form of a sheet, net, honeycomb, drain board or lattice, a bodyyieldable to keep its shape when confined, or flocculate or sponge.

Of these materials, a sheet-like material of nonwoven fabric that excelsin air permeability and chemical retention is preferred.

An explanation is next given in respect of a sixth form ofimplementation of the present invention.

While with reference to FIG. 44 a chemical cartridge in another form ofthe present invention will, as an example of its use, be described asapplied to a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus using a chemicalcartridge to diffuse a chemical into an atmosphere, it will beunderstood that the present invention when applied is not limited tothis particular use.

As shown in FIG. 44, a main casing body 501 is provided with an airblower 502 and has a chemical cartridge 503 removably attached theretowherein a fan 504 of the air blower 502 is rotated by a motor 505 topass air through the chemical cartridge 503.

The main casing body 501 includes a base member 510 and a cover member511, is formed with a blower mounting section 512 and a batteryaccepting section 513 and has an air inlet section 514 and an airdischarge section 515.

The air blower 502 has a fan 504 and a motor 505 mounted in a housing506 provided in the blower mounting section 512. The housing 506 has anair inlet port 506 a communicating with the air inlet section 514 andalso has an air discharge port (not shown) communicating with the airdischarge section 515.

A battery 507 shown as comprising two dry cells is attached into thebattery accepting section 513.

The cover member 511 is so connected to the main casing body 510 that itcan be opened and closed whereby opening the cover member 511 allows thechemical cartridge 503 and the battery 507 to be removed and fitted in.

The chemical cartridge 503 is adapted to accept a chemical impregnatedbody 520 in the form of a sheet and has a retainer or retainerreceptacle 530 for retaining the chemical impregnated body 520.

In other words, since the chemical impregnated body 520, which is in theform of such a sheet, so liquid-absorptive and so weak in stiffness thatit cannot sustain itself and if it is held directly by a hand, achemical therein may adhere to the hand, it is held along a portionthereof with the retainer receptacle 530 to cause air to pass throughother portions thereof.

This permits the chemical cartridge 520 to be made thin and easy tohandle.

The chemical impregnated body 520 comprises a carrier 521 in the form ofa sheet impregnated with and retaining therein a chemical in a givenamount.

The sheet-like carrier 521 of the chemical impregnated body 520 has ahigh liquid retention region 522 that can at a time be impregnated withand capture a large amount of chemical, which progressively permeatesinto the carrier 521 over its entire body.

So constructed and adapted as mentioned above, a chemical cartridge 503when used out (when chemical contained in the carrier 521 of thechemical impregnated body 520 is depleted or completely diffused intothe environmental atmosphere and the carrier 521 has no such chemicalcontained therein) allows re-supply by dropping and thereby supplying alarge amount of chemical into the high liquid retention region 522 toallow the chemical to progressively permeate into the carrier 521 overits entire body until the carrier 521 is fully charged with thechemical, thereby reproducing an unused chemical cartridge.

Therefore, this is a chemical cartridge that can be repeatedly used bybeing re-supplied with chemical each time it is used up.

Also, since in the stage of manufacture as well, the carrier 521 of achemical impregnated body 520 can be supplied in its high liquidretention region 522 with a large amount of chemical to allow it topermeate into the carrier 521 progressively over its entire body, it ispossible to impregnate the carrier 521 uniformly over its entire bodywith chemical.

Mention is next made specifically of a presently preferred but notexclusive example of the chemical cartridge 503 with reference to FIGS.45 and 46.

The carrier 521 of this chemical impregnated body 520 is in the form ofa sheet whose central part is thicker than elsewhere thereof,constituting the high liquid retention region 522.

The high liquid retention region 522 is formed in its top with a recess522 a to assist chemical when supplied to be absorbed into its insideeasily.

Even if the liquid absorptivity (the magnitude of an amount of liquidthat can be absorbed in unit area) of the carrier 521 is uniform overits entire area, its central area made thin can absorb a large amount ofchemical and can constitute the high liquid retention region 522.

Preferably, however, the carrier 421 can be made more liquid absorptivein its central part than in the other parts, permitting this part (thehigh liquid retention region 522) to be impregnated with a maximumamount of chemical.

However, if the high liquid retention region 522 of the carrier 521 ismade higher in liquid absorptiveness than its other regions, this regioncan be made equal in thickness to the other regions.

Thus, the high liquid retention region 522 of a carrier 521 can ineffect be a region where the amount of liquid that can be absorbed perunit volume is larger than elsewhere thereof.

Also, the high liquid retention region 522 may have any shape, i. e.,not only round as mentioned but also rectangular, semicircular orraising, depending on its blank material used.

The retainer receptacle 530 comprises a receptacle body member 540 and ahold member 550 by and between which the chemical impregnated body 520is held and retained.

The receptacle body member 540 has a central support section 541, aperipheral support section 542 and a plurality of connecting supportsections 543 connecting the peripheral support section 542 to thecentral support section 541 wherein a space defined with the centralsupport section 541, the peripheral support section 542 and neighboringconnecting support sections 543 connected together by the peripheralsupport section 542 is open constituting an air flow section 544.

The peripheral support section 542 has its outer edge raised from itsupper face to form a raised edge 545 in the form of a ring.

The chemical impregnated body 520 is placed on and supported by theupper faces 541 a, 542 a and 543 a of the central and peripheral andconnecting support sections 541, 542 and 543.

The hold member 550 is in the form of a ring that can be fitted with thering-shaped raised edge 545 to hold a peripheral part of the chemicalimpregnated body 520 by and between the hold member 50 and theperipheral support section 542.

The chemical cartridge 503 as shown in FIG. 44 is mounted fitting withits mounting section 506 b of the housing 506 and opposed to the fan 504of the air blower 502 so that the central part 504 a of the fan 404little in air flow (namely, where the axis of rotation 505 a of themotor 505 is coupled thereto) is opposed to the central part (the highliquid retention region 522) of the carrier 521 of the chemicalimpregnated body 520.

Thus, through the high liquid retention region 522 there will air flowmuch less than elsewhere around it to allow air to flow smoothly throughthe chemical impregnated body 520 without being impeded by the highliquid retention region 522 despite its thickness.

Being placed on the upper face 541 a of the central supporting section541 of the retainer receptacle 540, the high liquid retention region 522supplied with a large amount of chemical when it is refilled to add toits weight is prevented from coming down.

Also, being identical to or larger than the high liquid retention region522 in size, the central support section 541 prevents liquid chemicalfrom leaking down from the lower face of the high liquid retentionregion 522 when it is supplied with a large amount of liquid chemical.

The central support section 541 may be in the form of a shallow anddented dish

A mention is next made of modifications of this form of implementation.

The central support section 541 of the receptacle body member 540 may besmaller in size than the high liquid retention region 522. Further, theconnecting sections 643 may only be six but also four, three or the likein number.

In a first modification as shown in FIGS. 47A and 47B, the hold member550 may have a central ring 551, a peripheral ring 552 and a pluralityof stays 553 connecting the central and peripheral rings 551 and 552 toform openings 554 and may so be made that the central ring 551 fits withthe high liquid retention region 522 and the peripheral ring 552 fitswith the ring-shaped raised edge 545 of the receptacle body member 540.

This allows the central ring 551 to provide an indication of chemicaldropped and supplied.

In this case, the central support section 541 of the receptacle bodymember 540 may be in the form of a ring.

Also, in this case, the central ring 551 of the hold member 550 may abuton the upper face of the high liquid retention region 522 to hold itwith the central support section 541.

Also, the central ring 551 may be large in height than the high liquidretention region 522 to prevent liquid chemical supplied from leaking.

In a second modification as shown in FIGS. 48A and 48B, the chemicalimpregnated body 520 may have its high liquid retention region 522located closer to the periphery of the carrier 521.

For example, the carrier 521 may have a plurality of high liquidretention regions 522 positioned circumferentially spaced apart fromeach other along a peripheral area thereof.

In a third and a fourth modification as shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, thehigh liquid retention region 522 of the chemical impregnated body 520 isin the form of a narrow band extending and continuous diametrically. Thehigh liquid retention region 522 here is supplied with liquid chemicalfrom the central region, such as the central ring 551, of the holdmember 550 in the arrangement shown in FIG. 49 and from the peripheralregion, such as openings 554 formed between the dents 552 a of theperipheral ring 552 deformed of the hold member 550 and the ring-shapedraised edge 545 of the peripheral support section 542 of the receptaclebody member 540 in the arrangement shown in FIG. 50. In furthermodifications not shown, a plurality of such band-shaped high liquidretention regions 522 may be formed and arranged in the form of alattice, or one or more of such high liquid retention regions 522 may bepositioned suitably as desired.

The high liquid retention region 522 of the chemical impregnated body520 may be formed separately from the carrier 521 and may be laid aboveand/or below the carrier 521.

For example, in a fifth modification as shown in FIG. 51, a pair ofcarriers 521 are used to hold a high liquid retention region 522 betweenthem.

Also, in a further modification not shown, the high liquid retentionregion as a separate body is fitted into the central ring 551 of thehold member 550 and thereby mounted while the hold member 550 isattached the receptacle body member 40 so as to bring the high liquidretention region 522 into contact with the carrier 521.

Alternatively, the carrier 521 may be laid on the high liquid retentionregion 522 mounted as a separate body on the central support section 541of the receptacle body member 540.

Mention is next made of how the high liquid retention region 522described above may specifically be implemented.

The high liquid retention region 522 as a separate body is formed of asame material or a material dissimilar to that of which the carrier 521is formed, and is integrated with, or bonded to, seamed with, placed onor welded to the carrier 521.

Alternatively, a blank material is blown by special machining on aportion of the carrier 521 to make “metsuke” large to build up there ahigh liquid retention region 522.

The blank materials of which the carrier 521 of the chemical impregnatedbody 520 or the high liquid retention region 522 as a separate body inthe present invention may be formed include natural and chemical fibers,nonwoven fabric (of natural, chemical and carbon fibers), resin net(polyester, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride), cloth (woven orknitted), paper yarn (pulp, linter, synthetic paper). The material maybe a formed body such in the form of a sheet, net, honeycomb, drainboard, lattice or fold, a body yieldable to keep its shape whenconfined, or flocculate or sponge, and further foamed beads, foamedurethane, and wooden or bamboo charcoal.

Of these materials, a sheet-like material of nonwoven fabric that excelsin air permeability and chemical retention is preferred.

In the present invention, ways in which to supply a liquid chemical intoa high liquid retention region 522 may visually check an amount of itssupply using a calibrated dropping pipette, a dosage ampule, a meteredcontainer or a container with a metering cup, or a nozzle.

Also, since in supplying a chemical it is convenient if the time of itsre-supply can visually be checked, it is desirable to use a chemicalimpregnated body 420 that may be of known type with an indicatordisplaying the time of its depletion.

The chemical that can be impregnated into the carrier 521 of a chemicalimpregnated body 521 for use in the present invention may be an insectpest control agent (insecticide, repellent, growth inhibitor, miticide,insect control essential oil or the like), aromatic, aromatic deodorant,deodorant, fungicide, disinfectant or vermin repellent, and especiallysuch a chemical that is volatile at an ordinary temperature or air flowconditions.

Such chemicals, if used to kill insects, may be a variety of volatileinsecticides so far known, of which pyrethroid, carbamate,organophosphorus chemicals and so on can be listed, further of whichpyrethroid chemicals can preferably be used as generally high in safety.

Further, such specific chemicals as methofluthrin, transfluthrin,empenthrin, terallethrin and profluthrin which are highly active andwhich in a small amount exhibit efficaciousness can desirably be used asthey can make the chemical carrier thin and small.

Further, not only is a chemical cartridge 503 according to the presentinvention used with a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus asdescribed above, but also it can be directly attached to the fan in anair blower and may otherwise be integrated into the fan. Further, it canbe disposed in either an air inlet or outlet side. Yet further, it canbe attached at the blowout port of an air conditioner.

An explanation is next given of a seventh form of implementation of thepresent invention.

While with reference to FIG. 52 a chemical cartridge in another form ofthe present invention will, as an example of its use, be described asapplied to a blower type chemical diffusing apparatus using a chemicalcartridge to diffuse a chemical into an atmosphere, it will beunderstood that the present invention when applied is not limited tothis particular use.

As shown in FIG. 52, a main casing body 601 is provided with an airblower 602 and has a chemical cartridge 603 removably attached theretowherein a fan 604 of the air blower 602 is rotated by a motor 605 topass air through the chemical cartridge 603.

The main casing body 601 includes a base member 610 and a cover member611, is formed with a blower mounting section 612 and a batteryaccepting section 613 and has an air inlet section 614 and an airdischarge section 615.

The air blower 602 has a fan 604 and a motor 605 mounted in a housing606 provided in the blower mounting section 612. The housing 606 has anair inlet port 606 a communicating with the air inlet section 614 andalso has an air discharge port (not shown) communicating with the airdischarge section 615.

A battery 607 shown as comprising two dry cells is attached into thebattery accepting section 613.

The cover member 611 is so connected to the main casing body 610 that itcan be opened and closed whereby opening the cover member 611 allows thechemical cartridge 603 and the battery 607 to be removed and fitted in.

The chemical cartridge 603 includes a chemical retainer or chemicalimpregnated body 620 and a fixture 630, although the chemical cartridge603 is not limited to a combination of such a chemical impregnated body620 and a fixture but may comprise a chemical impregnated body 620 and areceptacle that will be described later or may comprise only a chemicalimpregnated body 620.

The chemical impregnated body 620 as shown in FIGS. 52 to 56 is made ofa porous or air permeable and liquid absorptive pleated sheet material621 that is flat and impregnated with a chemical, as shown. A number ofpleats of the chemical impregnated body 620 are formed by alternatingmountain fold and valley fold of the sheet material at certain widths.

The chemical impregnated body 620 made of such a sheet material 621which is thus large in surface area per unit volume and capable ofretaining liquid chemical can retain a large amount of liquid chemicalper unit volume and moreover can be enough if it is made small in size.

For example, it is possible to provide a thin chemical impregnated body620 containing a large amount of liquid chemical.

This sheet 621 is prevented from losing its pleated shape by jointing,e. g. thermally fusing, ultrasonically fusing, and fusing by in-moldforming its peripheral edge 622, across which pleats are made parallel,to maintain a pitch of pleats. To it, if a pleated sheet is left withits pleats as they are, under an external force it tends to lose itsshape and become unable to maintain its original pitch of plates.

So processed, the sheet material 621 allows air to pass uniformly overits entire area and in turn chemical to emanate from the chemicalimpregnated body 620 uniformly over its entire area.

This thus permits a volume of chemical retained in the chemicalimpregnated body to be consumed substantially uniformly over its entirearea, thereby rendering the utilization of a chemical for this purseeffective and efficient.

In the form of implementation illustrated, the chemical impregnated body620 is round in its planar shape with its peripheral edge 622 in theform of a circular ring.

This does not exclude the possibility that the chemical impregnated body620 may be square or rectangular in its planar shape; then two opposededges of it may be fused.

The fixture 630 acts to hold the peripheral edge of the chemicalimpregnated body 620 to maintain its shape and prevent it fromdeforming. It also serves to enable the chemical cartridge 603 to beheld by fingers while preventing chemical from contaminating the hand.Air is, of course, allowed to pass through the chemical impregnated body620 except in its limited area where it is held by the fixture 630.

Thus, the fixture 630 has a hold section that holds the chemicalimpregnated body 620 and an air passage section through which air flows.

For example, the fixture 630 comprises a support member 631 and a holdmember 632, and the support member 631 comprises a raised fitting ring633 and, as a support element, a support ring 634 projecting inwardsfrom an inner face 633 a of the raised fitting ring 633 below it.

The hold section 632 is here in the form of a ring that can be fittedwith a ring-shaped raised edge 633 of the support member 631.

Then, the chemical impregnated body 620 is loaded in the support member631 with its peripheral edge 622 fitted with the raised fitting ring 633and placed on the support ring 634, and thereafter the hold member 632is fitted into the raised fitting ring 633 with itself pressed on theperipheral edge of the chemical impregnated body 620 to hold the samebetween the hold member 632 and the support ring 634 in the raisedfitting ring 633 of the support member 631.

Thus, the ring-shaped support member 631 and the hold member 632together constitute the abovementioned hold section and the space in thehold section constitutes the abovementioned air passage section.

In this form of implementation, as shown in FIG. 56 when the processedsheet material 621 is held by the fixture 630, it will be seen that itsfused peripheral edge 622 is held lying at a position vertically midwayof the height of the fixture 630 with its upper and lower contour lines621 a and 621 b projecting upwards and downwards, respectively, to enequal extent from that vertically midway position.

Depending on the relative thicknesses of the support and hold rings 634and 632 that can be chosen, however, it is also possible to hold thefused peripheral edge 622 of the pleated sheet material 621 by thefixture 620 and as in a first modification shown in FIG. 57 to positionthe sheet material 621 in the fixture 630 such that its lower contourline 621 b is relatively flat and its upper contour line 621 a projectsrelatively largely upwards.

In any way, it is possible to make the lower face 620 a of the chemicalimpregnated body 620 substantially flush and preferably precisely flushwith the lower face 630 a of the fixture 630, thereby improving theplaceablility of the chemical cartridge 603 on the apparatus casing body601. Also, since the support and hold rings 634 and 632 can be thin, itis possible make the fixture 630 small in thickness and size.

For example, it will be seen in the arrangement shown in FIG. 52 inwhich the chemical cartridge 603 must be placed on a shouldered top face606 b of the housing 606 that it is necessary to make the lower face 620a of the chemical cartridge 620 flush with the lower surface 630 a ofthe fixture 630 in order to make the chemical cartridge 630 easilyplaceable on the housing 606. Otherwise, the height H2 of the fixture630 for the chemical cartridge 603 shown in FIG. 56 tends to becomelarger than the height H1 of the chemical cartridge 603 shown in FIG. 57by a thickness (height) of the support ring 634.

Being not only be air permeable but also liquid absorptive, the pleatedsheet material 621 of the chemical impregnated body 620 after depletionof its chemical, namely once the chemical cartridge is used out by thefact that the amount of chemical I contains has been altogether diffusedinto the environmental atmosphere, can again be supplied and impregnatedwith chemical over its entire area to provide a chemical impregnatedbody.

Hence, a chemical cartridge is provided, which each time it is depletedcan be reused repetitively upon refilling.

Mention is next made of a preferred chemical cartridge that is suitablefor refilling after depletion, reference being made to FIGS. 58 and 59.

The support element 634, illustrated above as the support ring, in thefixture 630 now comprises an outer and an inner peripheral ring 634 aand 634 b and connecting bars 634 c that connect them together.

Likewise, the hold member 632 of the fixture now comprises an outer andan inner ring 632 a and 632 b and connecting bars 632 c that connectthem together.

With the cartridge so constructed, the chemical impregnated body 620 canbe supplied with chemical into a region enclosed by the inner ring 632 band refilled easily.

With the fixture 630 shown in FIGS. 58 and 59, the chemical impregnatedbody 620 having its upper and lower faces supported by and between theinner rings 632 b and 634 b and the connecting bars 632 c and 634 c isprevented from its coming down. In this case, only one of the supportand hold members 631 and 632 may have such an inner ring and connectingbars.

The inner rings are arbitrary in size, shape and number and can bedetermined according to the size of the chemical impregnated body 620,the material used for the pleated sheet and the amount of impregnationof chemical.

Providing an inner ring and connecting bars only for the support member631 to form recesses on its upper face allows refilling liquid chemicalto stay in these recesses and to be prevented from leaking and comingdown.

Although not shown, an indication of refilling a chemical by a color ormark may be provided on a surface of the processed sheet material 621 inthe chemical cartridge shown in FIG. 54.

Mention is next made of further modifications.

As shown in FIG. 60, for the chemical impregnated body 620 a pleatedsheet material 621 with its peripheral edge 622 that remains unprocessed(unfused) may also be used.

Then, the fixture 630 in holding the pleated sheet material 621 acts tosqueeze its unprocessed peripheral edge 622, thereby holding the samefirm to prevent the pleats from getting out of shape.

It may then be further desirable that the hold member 632 be threadedlyengaged with the raised ring 633 of the support member 630 to hold theperipheral edge 622 of the pleated sheet material 621.

A chemical cartridge may simply be a chemical impregnated body 620 withits peripheral edge 622 processed as shown in FIG. 53.

Incorporating a chemical impregnated body 620 into a receptacle 640having an air passage region may provide a chemical cartridge 603.

For example, in a second modification as shown in FIG. 61 a receptacle640 in the form of a ring has its inner round area providing the airpassage region and is formed with an inwardly facing annular recess 641in its outer ring section. The processed peripheral edge 622 of thechemical impregnated body 620 is fitted into this annular recess 641 toincorporate the chemical impregnated body 620 in the receptacle 640.

In a third modification as shown in FIG. 62, the unprocessed peripheraledge 622 of the chemical impregnated body 620 is fitted into thisannular recess 641 to incorporate the chemical impregnated body 620 inthe receptacle 640.

So constructed, the receptacle 640 can be held by a hand without causingthe hand to be contaminated by chemical and is easy to handle.

While in the various examples of implementation mentioned above thechemical impregnated body 620 is shown to be round with the fixture 630and the receptacle 640 being ring-shaped, the chemical impregnated body620 may also be rectangular, triangular or semicircular with the fixture630 and the receptacle 640 being then likewise rectangular, triangularor semicircular.

Thus, the fixture 630 will be enough if it is configured as beingcapable of holding and pressing the peripheral edge of a chemicalimpregnated body 620 and having an air passage region. Likewise, thereceptacle 640 will be enough if it is configured as accommodating achemical impregnated body 620 and having an air passage region.

While in the various examples of implementation mentioned above thechemical impregnated body 620 is shown to be planar to make the chemicalcartridge thin, the chemical impregnated body 620 may be in the form ofa cylinder and the receptacle 640 may be cylindrical having an annularhollow in which to receive the chemical impregnated body 620 to providea chemical cartridge.

For example, in a forth modification as shown in FIGS. 63 and 64, aninner and an outer cylinder 642 and 643 and a pair of end face plates644 and 645 constitute a receptacle 640 having an annular hollow 646 andan axial hollow 647.

The inner and outer cylinders 642 and 643 are formed with vents 642 aand 643 a and one end face plate 644 has an airflow opening 644 a.

The chemical impregnated body 620 here comprises a pleated sheetmaterial 621 that is air permeable and liquid absorptive. This pleatedsheet material 621 has its peak to valley height substantially equal toa radial with of the annular hollow 646 that is a difference in radiusbetween the outer and inner cylinders 643 and 642 so it can be fitted inthe latter. The pleated sheet material 621 is fitted so its pleatcontours conform to opposed walls of the annular hollow 646, and then isimpregnated with a liquid chemical.

The receptacle 640 thus loaded in its annular hollow 646 with thechemical impregnated body 620 provides a chemical cartridge 620.

The chemical cartridge 620 is removably loaded into the apparatus casingbody 601.

For example, in the cartridge 603 the one end face plate 644 is formedwith an outwardly projecting key element 648 where it defines the airpassage opening 644 a while in the apparatus casing body 601 is formedwith an inward facing key recess 649 where it defines the air inletopening 614 such that when the key element 649 engages the key hole 649the chemical cartridge 603 and the apparatus casing body 601 are broughtfirm together while bringing the air passage opening 644 a and the airinlet opening 614 into communication with each other.

And, with the fan 604 of the air blower 602 driven by the motor 605, airis allowed to flow through the vents 643 a of the outer cylinder 643,the annual hollow 646, the vents 642 a of the inner cylinder 642, theaxial hollow 647, the air passage opening 644 a, the air inlet section614 and the air discharge section 615, thereby entraining chemical fromthe chemical impregnated body 620 therein for diffusion into theenvironmental atmosphere.

So constructed, adapted and arranged as mentioned above, a chemicalimpregnated body 620 as in the preceding forms of implementation canretain an increased amount of chemical per unit volume and can yet bemade small in size.

According to this form of implementation, with a chemical impregnatedbody 620 that can retain an increased amount of chemical and can bereduced in diameter, a chemical cartridge 603 can be made small indiameter, yet having an increased chemical absorptivity.

Also, with a receptacle 640 made easy to handle and sealed, not only canit be handled easily, but also it does protect the user's hand fromcontamination with a chemical carried by a chemical impregnated body620.

Further, although not shown partition plates may be provided in theannular hollow 646 of the receptacle 640 to prevent the pleats of thepleated sheet material 621 from getting out of shape. Yet further, theinner cylinder 642 may have a plurality of projections circumferentiallyspaced apart such that adjacent such projections hold the peak of eachof the pleats to prevent the pleated sheet material 621 from getting outof shape.

While a chemical cartridge according to the present invention is shownabove as mounted in the apparatus casing body 601 of a blower typechemical diffusing apparatus so that when blown by an air blower 602 itcan emit chemical into the environmental atmosphere, it should beunderstood that the chemical cartridge in this aspect of the inventionis not limited to such a particular use thereof but can simply be usedwith a suitable mounting means for placement in a living room or thelike so that it can spontaneously emit chemical into the atmosphere.

In this case, the chemical cartridge may be made in the form of a fan,lantern, accordion or curtain.

The sheet for use to form a pleated sheet material 621 in the presentinvention is preferably made of a woven or nonwoven fabric to meet therequirements of its air permeability and liquid absorptivity. It isfurther desirable that the material be resistant to chemical dependingon particular types of chemical used. For example, the raw materialsapplicable include pulse, cotton, wool, flax and silk as natural fiber,polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate,polybutylene terephthalate, polysulfone, rayon, methacrylate resin andglass fiber as synthetic fiber.

The pleated sheet material 621 should have as a sheet a thicknesspreferably ranging between 0.02 mm and 1.0 mm to keep its liquidabsorptivity and retention.

Also, to facilitate chemical emission (air transmission), the sheetshould preferably have a density of 0.05 to 1.0 g/cm³.

While the fold width of the pleated sheet material 621 cannot bedetermined outright as it also relates to its fold-up width, where theobject is to make the chemical cartridge smaller and especially thinnerit cannot be desirable to increase the fold width since this tends toincrease the thickness of chemical; it should thus be desirable todetermine it depending on the area of the chemical impregnated body 620.Thus, the fold with should typically range between 2 mm and 30 mm.

In the case of a cylindrical chemical cartridge as shown in FIGS. 63 and64, however, the pleated sheet material 621 may have a fold width inexcess of 30 mm.

As to the peak to peak distance of pleats of the pleated sheet material621 there appears to be no particular limitation imposed thereon.However, the wider the distance, the less the amount of chemical can becontained, and if the pleats are densified, an increase in the amount ofchemical absorbed also impedes air flow and chemical emission. Thus, thedistance should typically be mot more than 10 mm and not less than 1 mm(where the pleats when visually seen are barely contacting each other).

Not only can the pleats be even in height (where the fold width is equalto the fold-up width) but also they be irregular in height (where thefold width varies and the distance remains constant) or higher in theircenter. They may also be either straight or curved in center line. Iftheir peripheries are thermally fused, a rounded periphery will result.

The materials of which the fixture 630 may be made include resins(polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyacetal,nylon, acryl, ABS and AS), synthetic paper materials and metals.

The volatile chemicals that can be used in the present invention includean insect pest control agent (insecticide, repellent, growth inhibitor,miticide, insect control essential oil or the like), aromatic, aromaticdeodorant, deodorant, fungicide, disinfectant or vermin repellent, andespecially such a chemical that is volatile at an ordinary temperatureor air flow conditions. Such chemical may preferably be at least oneinsect pest control agent selected from such specific chemicals asmethofluthrin, empenthrin, terallethrin, transfluthrin and profluthrin.

These chemicals are highly active and exhibit high deadly rates.Exhibiting efficaciousness in a small amount, they can desirably be usedand can be the optimum for use in a chemical cartridge smaller in size.

In addition to a chemical as mentioned above, there may be added theretowhere necessary a volatile adjustor (petrolatum, glycol etc), dissolvingagent (paraffin, polyalcohol, fatty ester etc), antioxidant, (BHT, BHAetc), indicator (allochroic coloring agent) and ultra-violet absorber

As mentioned above, ways in which to re-supply a liquid chemical into achemical cartridge used out may visually check an amount of its supplyusing a calibrated dropping pipette, a dosage ampule, a meteredcontainer or a container with a metering cup, or a nozzle.

Also, since in supplying a chemical it is convenient if the time of itsre-supply can visually be checked, it is desirable to use a chemicalimpregnated body 620 that may be of known type with an indicatordisplaying the time of its depletion.

An explanation is next made of an eight form of implementation of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 65, there is shown a blower type chemical diffusingapparatus using a chemical impregnated body according to the presentinvention to diffuse chemical volatilizing therefrom into theenvironmental atmosphere.

In the apparatus shown, an apparatus or main casing body 701 has an airblower 702, a battery 703 and a chemical cartridge 704 including achemical impregnated body 704 accommodated therein, wherein with a fan702 a rotated by a motor 702 b, air is drawn through an air inlet port705, passes through the chemical impregnated body 704 a and isdischarged through an air discharge port 706 to emit chemicalvolatilizing from the chemical impregnated body 704 a and carried in airinto the environmental atmosphere.

The apparatus casing body 701 has a portion 701 a opposed to thechemical cartridge 704 where the latter can be detached and attached.

Made of a base member 707 and a cover member 708, the apparatus casingbody 701 is here designed, for example, to allow the cover member 708 tobe opened and closed and the user to open the cover member 708 to removethe chemical cartridge 704 and the battery 703 and to fit them inposition.

The chemical impregnated body 704 a comprises a honeycomb body 710 andan air permeable and liquid absorptive sheet body 720 which areimpregnated with a chemical.

The honeycomb body 710 has a large number of cores 711 which are open atits both side faces 710 a and 710 b in the direction its thickness.

The sheet body 720 is laid at one of these side faces, preferably at theside, 710 b, where air flows out, over the side face.

Preferably, the honeycomb body 710 is much smaller in thickness than inwidth and length, namely a thin and “flat” body that is large in planararea, having a large number of cores 711 open in the direction of itsthickness, and over that large area the sheet body 720 is laid at itsside where air flows out.

The cores 711 of the honeycomb body 710 may in cross section be not onlypolygonal but also be, for example, corrugated, circular, triangular,square or triangular.

Further, the cores 711 may not only be laminar but also be spiral. Thecores 711 may be formed of a material that can be any of those of whichthe sheet body 729 may be formed as will be mentioned below.

These features make it possible to make the chemical cartridge 704 thinand hence the apparatus casing body 701 small in thickness.

Further, reinforced by the honeycomb body 719, the sheet body 720 cankeep its given shape.

The honeycomb body 710 also permits air to flow through it smoothly andcan effectively emit the chemical it retains into the environmentalatmosphere without impeding the air flow through the sheet body 720 itreinforces.

Also, being mounted on the apparatus casing body 701 as shown in FIG.65, the honeycomb body 710 and the sheet body 720 allow air to pass andflow through them, permitting the chemical held in them to be carried onair to emanate and diffuse into the environmental atmosphere as the fan702 a is rotated as mentioned above.

Also, the honeycomb and sheet bodies 710 and 720 of chemical impregnatedbody 704 a upon depletion of the chemical they have retained can beremoved as the chemical impregnated body 704 a from the apparatus casingbody 701, placed in the state that the sheet body 720 lies above thehoneycomb body 710 and refilled with the chemical. In this case, thesheet body 720 is supplied with liquid chemical by dropping liquidchemical at a limited area thereof, the liquid chemical being thenpermeated progressively over the entire sheet body 720 and at the sametime permeated into and through the honeycomb body 710 progressivelyover the entire honeycomb body 710 as well. There thus results achemical impregnated body 704 a refilled.

More specifically, since the sheet body 720 is disposed to lie over anentire area in which a large number of walls 712 lie constituting thecores 711 of the honeycomb body 710 and oriented in the direction of itsthickness, the chemical is retained upon impregnation or flooding on,along and into these walls 712.

Such a chemical cartridge 704 including a chemical impregnated body 704a on reloading in the apparatus casing body 701 is allowed to emitchemical into the environmental atmosphere.

Chemical refilling by dropping liquid chemical on the sheet body 720allows chemical to be impregnated into and retained by the honeycombbody 710 over its entire volume as well. Since the amount of chemicalfor refilling the sheet body 720 may be commensurate to that needed toimpregnate the honeycomb and sheet bodies 710 and 720, it is possible toavoid waste of chemical.

It is therefor possible for the user to easily regenerate a chemicalimpregnate body 704 a after use by refilling the honeycomb and sheetbodies 710 and 720 with chemical.

With the sheet body 720 disposed in intimate contact with one of theside faces (e. g., side face 710 b) of the honeycomb body 710 in thedirection of its thickness, the chemical supplied into the sheet body720 is allowed to smoothly permeate into and throughout the honeycombbody 710 (i. e. the wall materials 712).

With the sheet and honeycomb bodies 720 and 710 so arranged, chemical isallowed to permeate from the sheet body 720 to the honeycomb body 710(i. e. wall materials 712) smoothly and without fail.

In this form of implementation, a retainer receptacle 730 is used tobring the sheet body 720 into intimate contact with one side face (e.g., side face 710 b) of the honeycomb body 710.

The retainer receptacle 730 comprises a receptacle body member 740 and ahold member 750 each of which is in the form of a ring. The chemicalimpregnated body 704 a is put into the retainer receptacle 740, and thehold member 750 is fitted into and coupled with the receptacle bodymember 740 to hold the honeycomb and sheet bodies 710 and 720 by andbetween them with the sheet body 720 lying in intimate contact with theone side face of the honeycomb body 710.

This arrangement allows the sheet material 720 to come into intimatecontact firmly with one side face of the honeycomb body 710.

Mention is next made of a first modification of the chemical cartridge704 including the chemical impregnated body 704 a with reference toFIGS. 66 to 68.

The receptacle body member 740 comprises a central support section 741,a peripheral support section 742 and a plurality of stays 743 connectingthe central and peripheral support sections 741 and 742 together whereina space defined with the central support section 741, the peripheralsupport section 742 and neighboring stays 743 connected together by theperipheral support section 742 is open constituting an air flow section744 and the peripheral support section 742 has a raised support ring 745made integral therewith.

The hold member 750 is in the form of a ring that can be fitted with theraised ring 745.

The honeycomb body 710 is fitted in the raised support ring 745 and thesheet body 720 is and placed on and supported by the upper surfaces ofthe central and peripheral support sections 741 and 742 and the stays743 in contact therewith.

The hold member 750 is fitted with the raised support ring 745 and,coming into contact with a peripheral edge of the one side face 710 a ofthe honeycomb body 710, holds such peripheral areas of the honeycomb andsheet bodies 710 and 720.

The central support section 741 is formed with a liquid chemical poolsection 746 open in a support face 741, which section is open to theoutside through an inlet port 747 formed at its side opposite to thesupport face 741.

In this arrangement, the chemical cartridge 704 (the retainer receptacle730) is taken out and placed upon turning it upside down.

And, chemical is dropped and supplied through the inlet port 747 intothe liquid chemical pool section 746 and pooled there.

This allows liquid chemical to permeate from the center of the of thesheet body 720 progressively over its entire area and at the same timeto permeate from the sheet body 720 through the face of the honeycombbody 720 in intimate contact with the sheet body 720, then into andthrough the sheet body 720 progressively over its entire area as well.

Mention is next made of a second modification of the chemical cartridge704 including the chemical impregnate body 704 a.

As shown in FIGS. 69 to 70, the peripheral support section 742 of thereceptacle body member 740 is formed in its support face 742 a with anannular liquid chemical pool section 746 that is open in its lower facethrough an inlet port 747.

In this arrangement, liquid chemical is supplied into a peripheral partof the sheet body and is allowed to permeate towards its central part.

Mention is next made of a third modification of the chemical cartridge704 including the chemical impregnate body 704 a.

As shown in FIGS. 71 and 72, the receptacle body member 740 is formed ineach of the central and peripheral support sections 741 and 742 with aliquid chemical pool section 746 and an inlet port 747.

In this arrangement, liquid chemical is supplied into both a central anda peripheral part of the sheet body 720 so that chemical is allowed topermeate both its peripheral and central parts. This allows chemical tofill the honeycomb body 710 efficiently in a short period of time.

While the sheet body 720 is shown above to lie above the honeycomb body710 to supply liquid chemical directly on the sheet body 720,alternatively the sheet body 720 may be positioned below the honeycombbody 710 so that liquid chemical is supplied from above the honeycombbody 710 into the cores 711 and then supplied into the sheet body 720.

In this case, both the need to form the inlet port 747 shown in FIGS. 68and 72 and the need to make the liquid chemical pool section 746 deep asshown in FIGS. 68 and 72 are eliminated.

For example, in a fourth modification as shown in FIGS. 73 and 74, ashallow liquid chemical pool section 746 is formed in each of thecentral and peripheral support sections 741 and 742.

And, liquid chemical is supplied from the cores 711 both in the centraland peripheral parts of the honeycomb body 710 into the central andperipheral parts of the sheet body 720.

Also, to identify where the chemical can be supplied, a ring collar maybe applied on a hold section opposed to the liquid chemical pool sectionto indicate that the chemical should be supplied there. Alternatively, acolor may be applied as an indication to those cores where the chemicalshould be supplied.

While in the preceding examples of implementation, the chemicalimpregnated body 704 a is shown mounted so that the sheet and honeycombbodies 720 and 710 lie inside and outside, respectively, they may bepositioned vice versa, i. e., to lie outside and inside, respectively.

For example, depending on types of chemicals used, the sheet body 720may be positioned to face outwards and the honeycomb body 710 to faceinwards.

Also, while in the above examples of implementation, the chemicalimpregnate body 704 a is shown having a sheet body 720 disposed to liein intimate contact with one side face of a honeycomb body 710, twosheet bodies 720 may be used to lie in intimate contact with the twoopposite side faces of a honeycomb body 710, respectively.

The chemical that can be impregnated into a honeycomb body 710 of achemical impregnated body 704 a for use in the present invention may bean insect pest control agent (insecticide, repellent, growth inhibitor,miticide, insect control essential oil or the like), aromatic, aromaticdeodorant, deodorant, fungicide, disinfectant or vermin repellent, andespecially such a chemical that is volatile at an ordinary temperatureor air flow conditions.

Such chemicals, if used to kill insects, may be a variety of volatileinsecticides so far known, of which pyrethroid, carbamate,organophosphorus chemicals and so on can be listed, further of whichpyrethroid chemicals can preferably be used as generally high in safety.

Further, such specific chemicals as methofluthrin, transfluthrin,empenthrin, terallethrin and profluthrin which are highly active andwhich in a small amount exhibit efficaciousness can desirably be used asthey can make the chemical impregnated body thin and small.

The blank materials of which a sheet body 720 may be formed includenatural and chemical fibers, nonwoven fabric (of natural, chemical andcarbon fibers), resin net (polyester, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride), cloth (woven or knitted), paper yarn (pulp, linter, syntheticpaper). The material may be a formed body such in the form of a sheet,net, honeycomb, drain board, lattice or fold, a body yieldable to keepits shape when confined, or flocculate or sponge.

Of these materials, a sheet-like material of nonwoven fabric that excelsin air permeability and chemical retention is preferred.

In the present invention, ways in which to supply a liquid chemical intoa chemical impregnate body may visually check an amount of its supplyusing a calibrated dropping pipette, a dosage ampule, a meteredcontainer or a container with a metering cup, or a nozzle.

Also, since in supplying a chemical it is convenient if the time of itsre-supply can visually be checked, it is desirable to use a honeycombbody 710 in a chemical impregnated body 704 that may be of known typewith an indicator displaying the time of its depletion.

1. A chemical cartridge comprising: a chemical impregnated bodycomprising a pleated flat sheet material having a large number of pleatsimpregnated with a chemical, the pleats being formed by alternatingmountain folds and valley folds of the sheet material at certain widths;wherein the sheet material is air permeable and liquid absorptive; andwherein the pleated sheet material has a jointed peripheral area toprevent the pleats from getting out of shape.
 2. The chemical cartridgeaccording to claim 1, further comprising a fixture for holding aperipheral area of the chemical impregnated body.
 3. The chemicalcartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a receptaclecontaining the chemical impregnated body and having an airflow section.4. A chemical cartridge comprising: a chemical impregnated bodycomprising a pleated flat sheet material having a large number of pleatsimpregnated with a chemical, the pleats being formed by alternatingmountain folds and valley folds of the sheet material at certain widths,wherein the sheet material is air permeable and liquid absorptive; and afixture for holding a peripheral area of the pleated sheet material withthe peripheral area squeezed keep the pleats from getting out of shape.5. A chemical cartridge comprising: a chemical impregnated bodycomprising a pleated flat sheet material having a large number of pleatsimpregnated with a chemical, the pleats being formed by alternatingmountain folds and valley folds of the sheet material at certain widths,wherein the sheet material is air permeable and liquid absorptive; and areceptacle containing the chemical impregnated body and having anairflow section.
 6. A chemical cartridge comprising: a chemicalimpregnated body comprising a pleated flat sheet material having a largenumber of pleats impregnated with a chemical, the pleats being formed byalternating mountain folds and valley folds of the sheet material atcertain widths, wherein the sheet material is air permeable and liquidabsorptive, and wherein the pleated sheet material is deformable into ahollow cylindrical shape; and a receptacle configured to include anannular hollow and an axial hollow, to allow air to flow through theannular and axial hollows, and to accept the chemical impregnated bodyin the annular hollow.